In General

5. The Great to Pedal and Swell to PEDAL COUPLERS provide homogeneity between all voices; avoid them if independence in the pedal line is desired.

This guideline implies that homogeneity (or similarity) between the parts in hymn registration is preferred over independence. Although some prefer to register the pedal independently, it seems ideal that the bass part should balance well with the other parts in hymn playing. This is assured when:

• the pedal is coupled to whatever divisions are sounding in the manual combination, and
• one or more 16' pedal stops that balance with the manual combination are added.