Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545348
June/July 2026 | maconmagazine.com 109 In a city with houses of faith on nearly every corner, Rev. Dr. Erin Robinson Hall's column explores the interconnectedness of Macon's faith communities and the diverse ways Maconites nourish their spiritual health and the wellbeing of those around them, inspired by "On Being" podcast host Krista Tippet's idea that "religion is as cup; spirituality is as water." practice well-known songs like "We Shall Overcome" and newer songs like "Hold On." Musician Liz Digitale Anderson helped launch this movement of singers who gather in cities across the United States to sing choruses that respond to injustice. On a recent podcast, Anderson described the hope of this movement: "Singing can be a channel for our grief. Singing can be a channel for our rage together. Singing can be a channel for our joy together." The organization counts more than 250 Singing Resistance groups nationwide that maintain a commitment to be "grounded in love, nonviolence and solidarity." Macon will soon sing in solidarity. The community now has a local Singing Resistance group. The idea developed a er hearing some buzz about similar organizations in Atlanta and Savannah. Clergy from many faiths across Georgia began chatting about what a catalyzing experience it has been to gather and sing the simple choruses. Rev. Sara Pugh-Montgomery and I began wondering what it would be like to form a Singing Resistance group here in Central Georgia. Lisa Hargrove was one of the first leaders who came to mind to help, because of her interfaith connections and willing spirit. We reached out to a handful of local community leaders and formed a plan to launch this idea: Singing Resistance Macon. The plan is simple: gather with people and learn new choruses. Over the summer, two singing events are scheduled; all are welcome. Sing with all the voice you have, listening and learning from the people who show up to sing beside you. Who will that be? Anyone who has a voice. The experience is more "call and response" than printed sheet music. The hope is that people from many faith communities, denominations, and individuals will join in. The songs are secular; the experience feels like something sacred. Folk singer Pete Seeger said, "Get people to sing together and they'll act together, too." The work of summoning the choir is an act of imagination and justice. We trust that in gathering, we are claiming a connection beyond what usually separates us. Then, when our Central Georgia community gathers for a vigil or a march, we are ready with songs for those moments when music can speak louder than shouts. We may not have all the solutions we seek, but we do have songs. "Music is a universal language that directly touches people. It is a creative outlet for our truest selves." Intrigued? Find out more by following @singingresistancemacon on social media. Singing during Macon Pride interfaith family worship. her choir experiences. "In every choir I've directed or have been a member of, I always find that even though we walk different paths in life and have different faiths and beliefs, choral music always finds a way to shine a light on our shared values," Hargrove said. What are people hoping to find when they show up for choir rehearsals, concerts, and moments to lead in worship? Hargrove said her High Street choir members find expression for their faith and their identity. "Music is a universal language that directly touches people. It is a creative outlet for our truest selves." Perhaps offering a tune to which people can voice their truth is what makes communal singing such a powerful experience. A High Street choir member said that choral music is "a way for each of us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We are making a joyful noise together that we could never accomplish alone." Accomplishing more together is the aim of a new movement called "Singing Resistance." The organization invites singers to gather and learn choruses that can be used in moments of peaceful protest, vigils and community gatherings. Singers Womens ensemble