In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023, here are several opportunities to engage with the life and legacy of Dr. King and reflect on our own lives both individually and communally:
Enter into Dr. King’s Conversations:
One of my traditions (Pastor Corey Ashley) on MLK day is to first read a news article by several white clergy addressed to King and his movement then read King’s response to that article known as his ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’. Some context is helpful to understand why these are my documents of choice (among many other items). In the spring of 1963, King and a large number of his supporters were arrested after conducting demonstrations in Birmingham to end segregation. During these events, King’s campaign received national attention when fire hoses and dogs were used in response to their nonviolent group. Rather than accepting bail, King opted to stay in jail to help bring recognition to their cause, which subsequently became the fertile ground from which his famous letter would arise.
In response to the Birmingham events, a news article by several white clergy critiqued King’s movement by calling it “unwise and untimely,” urged him to “find proper channels to accomplish” his goals, and implored the “negro community to withdraw from [the] demonstrations, and unite locally in working peacefully for a better Birmingham.” In essence, their call was one of peace without justice. It was a call for the ongoing ‘patience’ of those experiencing oppression while, as King described it, ‘broken promises’ of healing and justice persisted from those calling for peace. In the words of King, the clergy represented…
“the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direst action” who paternistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a “more convenient season.” Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”
Although King was accustomed to criticism, the article rightly caught his attention and, while in a Birmingham jail, King responded to the Alabama clergy. I encourage you to read both letters for yourself today.
The Northern Illinois Conference:
Bishop Dan Schwerin, the Northern Illinois Conference’s new Bishop, calls us to remember the living legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
2023 MLK Commemoration Service:
One of the wonderful joys of being United Methodist is our connection with the many conferences and communities around the world. The Western North Carolina Conference hosted its annual Martin Luther King Commemoration Service. The keynote speaker was M. Garlinda Burton, Director for Resource Development for the denomination’s General Commission on Religion and Race. Watch the service now.
Prayer for Justice:
Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Open my eyes that I may see the needs of others
Open my ears that I may hear their cries;
Open my heart so that they need not be without succor;
Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong,
Nor afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich.
Show me where love and hope and faith are needed,
And use me to bring them to those places.
And so open my eyes and my ears
That I may this coming day be able to do some work of peace for thee.
Amen.