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Message from Pastor Bill – April 2009
Social Justice in Hard Times: Celebrating the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This month marks the forty-first anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. At a recent Race Relations breakfast that I attend bi-monthly, our discussion was about the realities of exhibiting the fervor of social justice in these hard times. When people are hurting economically, socially and even politically, it is imperative to continue the vision set forth by this prophetic leader of peace. This past month, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit local high schools in the community as a deliberate strategy for "outreach". Through this pursuit, the various principals of these local high schools allowed me to observe classroom instruction. As an observer and lover of the discipline of history, I was disenchanted with the fabrication and downright neglect of multicultural groups and their contributions to this country. St. Matthew, since we have dedicated ourselves to "reinvest in this community", I am urging us to address these issues and be at the forefront of this conversation by our example of multiculturalism in our worship, liturgy and actions that embrace the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King's legacy should commemorate his volatile stand for human and civil rights and social justice for all people, no matter their race or ethnicity or national origin or native language; for Jews, Muslims, Christians and others who believe differently; for the educated and for those who haven't had the privilege of education. Maybe it's about standing up not just for the more privileged among us but about securing rights for the least privileged. We should do this by living fully in our democracy.
In 1956 Dr. King wrote about the challenge of facing a new age, an age characterized by turmoil and unrest, and one that demanded that the civil rights promised by our society be extended to all. He said: "The urgency of the hour calls for leaders of wise judgment and sound integrity—leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice; leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity; leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause."
The cause he spoke of (to which we should all be committed in our reinvestment in the community) is social justice for all our people. It is the cause enshrined in the halls of our monuments and documents. It is the cause of freedom and justice, a cause that for so many is still far from reality. We may be living in hard times but we have the human and moral resources to turn those times around. Remembering Dr. King's legacy and our commitment as a community of faith, and with this thought to guide our minds, our hearts, and our actions, is a great way to be just in our ministering.
Peace and Power,
Pastor Bill
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