Several Christian worship musicians have partnered together to create an album reflecting concerns about climate change.
The organizations involved have started the #ClimateVigil campaign. This online movement aims to call millions of Christians to "light a candle for our climate."
One of the first endeavors in this campaign will be the creation of a Christian worship album. Organized by The Porter's Gate Worship Project, the band intends to record the album in Paris this September. The Porter's Gate has already invited several Christian artists, including Paul Zach, Liz Vice, Latifah Alattas, Andy Squyres, IAMSON, Ike Ndolo, Kate Bluett, John Arndt, and Jon Guerra to contribute. The album is currently raising funds on IndieGoGo, where supporters can pre-purchase the album, which will be released in Spring 2022.
"The Porter's Gate community is excited to bring the Biblical conversation about caring for God's creation and advocating for climate justice deeper into the church through worship and music," says Isaac Wardel, director of The Porter's Gate in a press release.
"We are singing together what we believe about God's love for everyone, the value of His created world, and our commitment to caring for His creation and each other," added Wardell.
This recording will be followed by a global candlelit vigil and virtual concert on November 6, scheduled to coincide with the UN's Climate Change Conference in Scotland. The artists will debut several new songs at the event.
After the album is released, The Porter's Gate intends to go on a US tour. This project receives support from the Evangelical Environmental Network, Million Prayer Mission, and the World Evangelical Alliance.
"In this moment of record-shattering climate impacts, I cannot think of a better time for this album and the global vigil we are planning on November 6. God's power and light are piercing through the darkness of our climate crisis," said Chris Elisara, director of the Creation Care Taskforce for the World Evangelical Alliance. "The Bible says, 'the earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.' For those of us called to love God and neighbor—and that includes every Christian—the overwhelming evidence of our climate emergency leaves us on our knees in prayer. That's where we find the strength to stand and act."
The Porter's Gate is a self-described "sacred ecumenical arts collective reimagining and recreating worship that welcomes, reflects, and impacts both the community and the church." The organization has released several albums on recent social justice issues, including albums dedicated to Justice and Lament. Their art has been featured by notable CCM artists, including Matt Maher and Sandra McCracken.
