University of Birmingham Conference Explores the Role of Singing in Christian Worship

The University of Birmingham recently hosted a two-day conference titled 'Reasons to Sing: Singing, Spirituality and the Search for Meaning.' The event convened theologians, musicians, and researchers to examine the physical, social, and spiritual significance of singing within the Christian tradition, questioning why the practice remains central to faith, prayer, and community life.

Organizers Dr. Katie Bank and Dr. Rebekah Wallace opened the proceedings by referencing 16th-century composer William Byrd, who advocated for singing as a means to benefit both the body and spirit. Keynote speaker Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw, a professor at the Catholic University of America, described the human voice as an 'embodied person made audible.' She argued that singing allows individuals to express emotions and spiritual intentions during significant life events—such as worship, celebration, and lament—where spoken language may feel insufficient. Leary-Warsaw suggested that through the 'sacramentality of the voice,' communal singing transforms words into a physical act of prayer, helping participants cultivate an awareness of the divine.