Nashville, Tenessee - Renowned Christian artists launched a faith video "ONE in the Spirit", in support of The ONE Campaign to fight poverty and global AIDS.

Featured artists are : Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Michael Tait, Charlie Peacock, Steve Taylor, Margaret Becker, Kirk Whalum, Natalie Grant, Jars of Clay, Andrea and Danielle Kimmey of Out of Eden, Third Day's Mark Lee and Peter Furler of the Newsboys.

"I am so proud to stand here with this powerful group of artists in support of The ONE Campaign," Smith said at a press conference to launch the video. "The emergency of global AIDS and poverty calls out to all of our hearts. Together, ONE by ONE, we can all make a difference in the lives of the poorest of God's children."

The 3 minute video mobilizes Christian artists who have been engaged with DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa). DATA, a founding member of the The ONE Campaign, was established in 2002 by Bono (U2) along with Bobby Shriver and activists from the Jubilee 2000 Drop the Debt campaign.

"From Hollywood to the heartland, Americans are joining the fight against global aids and poverty," said Jamie Drummond, executive director of DATA. "One in the Spirit" will play a critical role in rallying even more Americans to lend their voices."

Every day, 8,000 people die and another 13,000 contract the HIV virus, nearly 1,800 of who are children. In poor countries, there are approximately 6 million AIDS patients in need of lifesaving medicines but only 700,000 currently have access. More than a billion people including half the population of Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1 a day.

When President Bush launched the Millennium Challenge to help the world's poorest help themselves, he declared "there are no second class citizens in the human race," said Jars of Clay lead singer Dan Haseltine. "God has charged us all with ensuring dignity for his or her neighbor. I hope all of our listeners and all Americans will join with The ONE Campaign to make that dignity a reality for every person on earth."

Featuring 16 of the biggest names in Christian music, "ONE in the Spirit" will be featured at concerts, music festivals and places of worship across America in 2005 to rally support for The ONE Campaign a coalition of the nation leading relief and advocacy organizations.

Cindy Lee
cindy@breathecast.com