On this anniversary of strong public witness for voting rights, we remember our call to social holiness in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As lay and clergy leaders, we are called to gather and guide our people for public witness and compassion for all people.
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
These Lenten days of March, we remember Selma and Montgomery Alabama. Fifty-five years ago over 20,000 people gave witness participating in the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery. They were marching for full voting rights for all people. We remember this event and give thanks for the witness of saints who’ve gone before, for those who sought and worked for justice for all people.
The story is remembered of Dr. King and the marchers passing an elementary school. The school was an old building with broken windows and a tattered roof, where African American children were educated. People had waited there for hours to see Dr. King and the marchers. As they passed, Dr. King paused to speak with an elderly man. Dr. King said to him, “Will you march with us?” and the man said, “Yes, I will because I know for every step I take, you will take two.” This story touches my heart as we seek to be God’s people. Leaders of Christ’s church, those of you who are listening to my words in this moment are called to take double steps, two steps for compassion for mercy, for grace and for justice.
Let us lead in this time as those who hear the clear call of God. Let us do justice. Let us love mercy. Let us walk humbly with God in these Lenten days and always.