Singers, songwriters and artists from across the globe have teamed up with Christian Aid to create a three-song project to raise the profile of black Christians in the climate justice movement.
Each song released on Racial Justice Sunday in February, aims to encourage congregations to join in an sing these songs to help start the conversation about black Christians taking their place in the campaign for climate justice.
The single was first launched in Kenya during a visit by Bishops from around the world, including Blackburn’s Bishop Philip North.
Your Great Name - Pete Odera (2026)
The single was first launched in Kenya during a visit by Bishops from around the world, including Blackburn’s Bishop Philip North.
An issue we seem to have forgotten especially in the light of current global affairs is justice. Justice is a foundational characteristic of the God of the Bible. But studies have shown that fewer than five per cent of songs in modern Western worship speak about justice. I believe placing the issue of justice at the centre of our worship experience merges two very powerful elements: music and justice.
Everything is yours - Jake Isaac (2024)
To me, justice is about the pursuit of what's right, no matter what it costs. It's a mindset. It's a disposition. And it's the pursuit of what's right for those around us. No matter what they look like… it's what's right… even if it means sacrifice. For me personally, [it’s] at the core of the Christian faith.
Behind the collaboration
Christian Aid’s Black Majority Church Climate Action Group - made up of black theologians, faith leaders and activists from the UK and global south - kickstarted the project in an innovative bid to create a rallying call within worship music for black Christians.
Group member, Professor Robert Beckford's experience in producing de-colonial gospel music gave him the idea to develop a project which would bring together the themes of creation care, justice and theology.
Members of the Black Majority Church Climate Action group
- Reverend Doctor Israel Olofinjana (Evangelical Alliance)
- Professor Robert Beckford (Theologian and broadcaster)
- Reverend Ronald Nathan (African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church)
- Reverend Alton Bell (Wembley Family Church)
- Melanie Nazareth (Christian Climate Action activist and lawyer)
- Carol Ng'ang'a (Msingi Trust)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Colossians 3:16
Reverend Ronald Nathan, from the action group, reflecting on Colossians 3:16 shared, ‘We believe that being Christian and loving one another means caring for all of God’s creation and advocating for a better quality of life for everyone.
‘In this same vein, Gospel music in the black church tradition has consistently presented societal liberation as Good News for all. Following this heritage, we hope that ‘Everything Is Yours’ will encourage Christians to reflect on this unbreakable relationship: love of God, love of people and creation care.’
Through this three-song project, Christian Aid invited artists to write honestly and prayerfully about the climate crisis as a justice issue - one that speaks directly to faith, discipleship and responsibility for God’s creation. Music has always been a powerful way the Church learns, remembers and responds, and these songs are intended to stir hearts, provoke reflection and inspire collective action. They are a call for worship that does not turn away from the world’s pain, but meets it with faith, hope and commitment.
Meet the artists
Pete Odera
Musician Dr Pete Odera is also a minister, media broadcaster and mentor with a career spanning more than three decades. He founded the Waterbrook Church in Nairobi, where he led for 20 years, and now leads the Ixos Institute a training and mentorship organisation.
His band HART, formed in 1993, went on to become one of the most well-known Kenyan groups in the 1990s. Dr Pete’s journey has seen him travel the world and appear before audiences including four presidents, as well as various ambassadors and dignitaries. A multiple award winner and nominee he is also the co- founder of the Kisima Awards, Kenya’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
Image credits and information
Jake Isaac
Jake, from London, began playing drums at the age of three and taught himself piano and bass guitar. By the age of 16, he'd completed grade eight drums and had begun teaching the instrument. When he was 19, he began to make a living as a part-time session musician playing drums and bass on jazz and rock records for international artists, including Grammy-award winner Duffy.
Marketing manager by day, songwriter and session musician by night, Jake began working with artists such as Gabrielle and boy band Blue before trying his hand at writing his own songs.
He ended up signing to Sir Elton John’s Rocket Music label. Since, he's worked with Sting, Paloma Faith, and Elton John himself.
The importance of engaging Black Majority Churches in climate justice
People in Africa, the Caribbean, India and other parts of the global south are facing the brunt of the impacts. And yet, in the UK, 50% of black Christians think the environmental movement isn't racially diverse enough, and are keen for their churches to stand up for justice.
Since our 'Black Lives Matter Everywhere' report, senior church leaders and climate activists from black majority churches have been working on a range of resources providing insights into the distinctive contributions of diverse voices on climate justice.
