Peace with Justice Sunday

This is Morris Brown and the community of African Methodist Episcopal Church, praying after 9 African Americans were killed during a Bible Study in Charleston SC on June 17, 2015.  We remember injustice is still among us.

Howard Washington Thurman was an African-American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.    As a prominent religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the twentieth century.    Thurman’s theology of radical nonviolence influenced and shaped a generation of civil rights activists.    He was a key mentor to leaders within the movement, including Martin Luther King, Jr.    These are his words: 

“In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”

“The movement of the Spirit of God in the hearts of men and women often calls them to act against the spirit of their times or causes them to anticipate a spirit which is yet in the making. In a moment of dedication they are given wisdom and courage to dare a deed that challenges and to kindle a hope that inspires.”

“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.”

“Listen to the long stillness:   New life is stirring … New dreams are on the wing … New hopes are being readied: Humankind is fashioning a new heart … Humankind is forging a new mind … God is at work.  This is the season of Promise.”

“I will light candles this Christmas, Candles of joy, despite all sadness, Candles of hope where despair keeps watch. Candles of courage where fear is ever present, Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days, Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens. Candles of love to inspire all my living, Candles that will burn all the year long.”

“There is a quiet courage that comes from an inward spring of confidence in the meaning and significance of life. Such courage is an underground river, flowing far beneath the shifting events of one’s experience, keeping alive a thousand little springs of action.”

“During times of war, hatred becomes quite respectable even though it has to masquerade often under the guise of patriotism.”