Rend Collective Releases "Weep for Me" in Response to the Manchester Arena Bombing

North Irish worship team Rend Collective has released a new song 'Weep With Me', written in response to the recent bombing at the Manchester Arena. On 22 May 2017, a suicide bombing occurred at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, following a concert by American singer Ariana Grande. Twenty-three adults and children were killed, including the attacker, and 119 were injured, 23 critically.

"Many of us are still, and will continue to be, in shock and pain, over the Manchester bombing", explains the band. "For us in our grief it raised the question: can worship and suffering co-exist? Can pain and praise inhabit the same space? Can we sing that God is good when life is not? When there are more questions than answers? The Bible says a resounding yes: these songs are called laments and they make up a massive portion of the Psalms.

We can't make the pain go away. We refuse to provide cheap, shallow answers. But hopefully this song can give us some vocabulary to bring our raw, open wounds before the wounded healer, who weeps with us in our distress. We pray that we can begin to raise a costly, honest and broken hallelujah. That is what it means to worship in Spirit and in Truth." 

Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective (Gareth Gilkeson, Chris Llewellyn, Ali Gilkeson, Patrick Thompson and Stephen Mitchell) wants to be known as a celebration band, worshiping for God's Glory and fame. Since the release of their first album, Organic Family Hymnal, the group's authentic and energetic style of worship has attracted an international audience. The group saw early success as their first ever single "Build Your Kingdom Here," reached the No. 12 spot on the National Christian Audience Chart. Their 2014 release The Art of Celebration, charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart within the first week of its release. Known for their electric lively worship, the band has been a part of several major tours with top artists such as Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Kari Jobe, Lecrae and more. Their latest album, As Family We Go, landed the No. 1 spot on every iTunes Christian Albums Chart. Campfire II: Simplicity is available now.

Tags : rend collective rend collective new song manchester arena bombing ariana grande rend collective video