The apostolic writer urges “that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and
all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As I read this text this morning, I realized
how often I tend to despair about those in public office rather than intercede
for them.
When I was a
visiting student in Cambridge during my doctoral years, I regularly attended
Anglican services where the tradition is to pray not only for ecclesial
leaders, but also for the monarch, the prime minister, and local political
leaders. This practice impressed me, for
it kept the church from being insular, unrelated to the larger social landscape.
Flying back into Kansas City last evening, I
met a courageous moral leader, the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. He is an imposing presence, and I immediately
recognized him. You may remember his
powerful speech at the Democratic Convention this summer or know of his “Moral
Mondays” work in North Carolina. He is a
significant prophetic voice in our time, calling us to renew our concern for
the well being of our neighbors. Tonight
he will be a part of a traveling “Revival,” which will be held at St. James
Methodist Church.
Reverend Barber is
unwilling for the church to be silent about critical issues of social
justice. It is not enough for him to use
his pulpit to proclaim God’s mandate to care for the oppressed, he has taken
his message to the state house and well beyond.
A self-professed conservative because he believes he must do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly with God, he nevertheless promotes a progressive
political agenda that would revive the heart of our democracy.
Accompanying Barber
in “The Revival: Time for a Moral Revolution of Values” are other well known
public theologians: Rev. Dr. James a Forbes, Rev. Dr. Traci Blackmon, and
Sister Simone Campbell. The goal of this
movement is to redefine morality in American politics by pushing a broad social
justice agenda. The key issues are: the
economic liberation of all people; access to quality education for every child;
healthcare access for all; criminal justice reform; and ensuring historically marginalized
communities have equal protection under the law. Gathering in places of worship in across our
land, this “Revival” is stirring people of faith to prayer and action.
I will be attending
tonight and am eager to learn of the impact of this movement, which calls upon
elected officials and candidates for office to advance a moral public policy
agenda that responds to the urgent needs of vulnerable communities. This will require a fusion of prayer and
political activity; one without the other is incomplete.
Molly T. Marshall
Central
prepares creative leaders for diverse ministry contexts.
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