Mark Rodgers and the Clapham Group Seek to Influence Culture Through Arts

Mark Rodgers, founder of the Clapham Group, is advocating for Christians to engage more deeply with popular culture rather than viewing it as a lost cause. Drawing inspiration from the 18th-century British reformer William Wilberforce, Rodgers established his organization in 2007 to help believers influence societal values through creative mediums. His work has included facilitating faith-based outreach for the Humane Society and coordinating events that bridge the gap between secular artists and Christian communities.

Rodgers’ efforts have spanned various sectors, including politics and film. He notably helped organize a 2002 gathering in Nashville featuring U2 frontman Bono and various Contemporary Christian Music artists to advocate for international AIDS relief. More recently, his animated film 'The 21,' which depicts the 2015 martyrdom of Coptic Christians by ISIS, was shortlisted for an Academy Award in 2024. Through these initiatives, Rodgers encourages Christians to pursue excellence in the arts as a means of bearing witness to their faith in the public square.