Justice Song

For nearly 80 years, Christian Aid has been a force for justice on the global stage - speaking truth to power, responding to crises, and challenging the structures that keep people poor.
Justice Song tells the story of this groundbreaking organisation not as a linear history, but through a series of vivid, thematic chapters that trace its evolution from post-war beginnings to present-day campaigns. It explores how a church-founded agency became a pioneering voice in international development, human rights, and political activism - and how that legacy can still inspire action today.
Founded in 1945 by British and Irish churches to support refugees after World War II, Christian Aid has expanded its humanitarian mission across the globe. Always rooted in a vision of justice, it has provided emergency relief, backed long-term development, and championed the rights of the marginalised.
Sir Robert Birley once wrote of Christian Aid's founding Director, Janet Lacey CBE: 'Bureaucracy [...] collapsed at her approach; no one ever broke more rules.' The book will capture the spirit of dissent and innovation which marks both Christian Aid's beginnings and its work today.
From challenging the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to helping found the Voluntary Service Overseas, Disasters Emergency Committee, and Fairtrade Foundation, Christian Aid has consistently pushed beyond the boundaries of traditional charity. It helped set up the World Development Movement to drive political change, advised Martin Luther King during his UK visit, and partnered with leaders like Bishop Oscar Romero.

Bringing together the voices of those who built, worked with, and were transformed by Christian Aid - including staff, partners, and communities around the world - Justice Song reveals an organisation defined by solidarity, defiance, and a restless drive for change. Christian Aid has never shied away from bold alliances or uncomfortable truths. At every turn, it has remained committed to a radical vision: a world where justice sings louder than despair.

Professor Michael Taylor was Director of Christian Aid for 12 years from 1985-97. An acknowledged authority, he then became Director of the World Faiths Development Dialogue from 2001-04. He was closely involved in the creation of the Centre for the Study of Global Ethics, President of the Jubilee 2000 Debt Campaign and has chaired numerous NGOs.
A Baptist minister, Michael is widely considered an expert in using the insights of faith traditions to inform social policy, especially in the area of poverty reduction and development.
With several books already published, Michael brings a huge amount of personal and professional experience to this project. The history will include some amazing anecdotes from his time as Christian Aid's Director and associated travels to various country programmes.
Michael is currently based in Oxford and continues to advocate against poverty and injustice.