SUNDAY MAY 18TH - 2ND SPECIAL VIRTUAL MEETING OF IRISH SONGWRITERS, WORSHIP LEADERS AND MUSIC CREATORS
PRESS RELEASE - 3 APRIL 2025
SUNDAY 18th May 8.00 pm GMT (2025) champions the second SONGSHARE Virtual Meeting of Irish Songwriters, Worship Leaders and Music Creators solely to find existing and new congregational works of Worship, Praise and Thanksgiving to impact across our cultural and spiritual landscape.
Godfrey Chimbganda leads the way through the growing impact of Gospel Music Ireland: The Art & Music Mission Summit convened in April, successfully brought together creatives in Dublin and saw an enthused and spirited gathering committed to advancing and realising the gifts and talents from the churches.
Audrey Gray, an award-winning industry developer, international recording artist, and praise/worship leader Noel Robinson joins with SONGSHARE founder and British Gospel pioneer Juliet Fletcher continue answering questions and focus on the practical steps of working across Christian communities to build and provide opportunities at every level through SONGSHARE.
The outcome of the first meeting showed the need for building deeper relationships between songwriters, worship leaders and also church leaders who are able to give greater support in developing a strong infrastructure. This second meeting will continue a focus on (i) cementing relationships (ii) practical guidance for registering songs and the role of worship leaders (iii) how church leaders can make a difference.
AS A REMINDER: SONGSHARE was launched as a highlight on behalf of RJS (Racial Justice Sunday) organiser, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), and Churches Together in England (CTE) on February 9th. The Racial Justice Sunday Special Edition Spotify Playlist , invited the wider church family to embrace the rich cultural diversity within Britain and Ireland’s congregations. Drawing on the biblical story of Joseph’s “coat of many colours,” the initiative celebrated the beauty and importance of diversity in worship. As a real example the playlist included works of not only well known worship leaders and songwriters like Noel Robinson, Muyiwa, Sarah Teibo and Jake Isaac, but also authors of lesser known renditions.
Juliet Fletcher, British Gospel Music pioneer and SongShare Founder, explains: “Colour and variety are gifts from God. Yet, the vibrant, powerful songs born in Black Church traditions rarely extend beyond their communities. Even within these denominations, invisible barriers hinder their outward reach. Meanwhile, Gospel music thrives in cultural spaces. SongShare is the proactive solution we need to address this inequity and elevate these voices across the church family and through the dynamic music infrastructures”.
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Quotes from CTBI & CTE:
“Racial Justice Sunday is an apt moment to launch this programme: Undoubtedly, it gives those in British and Irish churches greater access to this music and Gospel artistes potentially the recognition and recompense worthy of their work and talents”. Richard Reddie - Director of Justice and Inclusion, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
“I’m really excited about SongShare! Let’s all engage in building this resource showcasing some great voices from diverse communities”. Bishop Mike Royal - General Secretary, Churches Together in England
"The SongShare system is well overdue: addressing injustice while opening doors to equity and opportunity for Black music creators - securing a rich legacy as part of the wider Christian family." Revd Dr Lurliene Miller - Joint Chair, CTE-Racial Justice Working Group
“Music transcends boundaries, giving voice to shared experiences and the opportunity to drive transformative action for racial justice”.Minister Shermara Fletcher-Hoyte - CTE Principal Officer for Pentecostal , Charismatic and Multicultural Relations