Caedmon's Call work with Indian, Brazilian and Ecuadorian musicians on new project.

AWARD winning folk pop group Caedmon's Call are set to release in October 'Share The Well' album, described at "the first album of its kind in Christian music." Having recorded the album with local musicians in India, Ecuador and Brazil, the band's focus is to raise awareness of caste discrimination against India's 250 million "Dalits", or lowest class, as well as existing persecution and poverty in the three countries. In addition, Caedmon's Call is headlining its ninth national tour, hitting 30 cities this fall on the Share The Well tour which will feature seven of the international musicians the band met while recording.

The band titled the record 'Share The Well' when it learned that Dalits are not permitted to drink from community wells in India unless an upper caste person draws the water for them. Many Dalits wait all day and are never given a drink. For Caedmon's Call, this reality came as a metaphor to those thirsting for hope and a saviour. Said lead vocalist Cliff Young, "The truth is, as believers, we've been called to help these people. In America, we live by a self-centred version of Christianity. We forget the Great Commission. We think we aren't called to help people because our gifts and talents lie elsewhere. Instead, we should be asking how we can use the gifts we've been given to go to all the world and live out the message of the Gospel." As another method to increase awareness, Caedmon's Call invites two Indian, one Brazilian and four Ecuadorian musicians to join its 30-city autumn Share The Well tour. The tour kicks off in the USA on 8th October. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.