by Jim Wallis
Last spring Fox News commentator Glenn Beck told Christians to leave churches that promoted social justice. To do so, Christians would have to walk out on Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech too. Dr. King was a social justice Christian, the kind of Christian Mr. Beck constantly derides.
Today marks the 47th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. And, if you were in Washington, D.C., you could have seen Glenn Beck standing on the historic location of King’s speech – only Mr. Beck will be giving his "I have a plan" speech.
I want to challenge Christians to understand the true significance of King’s speech – for our work on social justice, for racial reconciliation, and for the health of the American church.
Sojourners has been working hard to make sure that Christians understand the prophetic power of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and we need your support.
This morning I spoke at Celebrate the Dream, a dedication ceremony for a work of public art that commemorates the words and legacy of Dr. King, in the face of Mr. Beck’s challenge of civil rights history with his Restoring Honor rally.
Read our God’s Politics blog series on The Legacy of Martin Luther King - with favorite blog writers Vincent Harding, Valerie Elverton Dixon, and Troy Jackson - on how King’s legacy has impacted their own social justice work.
Also, we have uploaded a free online version of a new Sojourners magazine article by civil rights leader Dr. Vincent Harding, called “Revisiting (and Revisioning?) King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech.”
I know you’ll want to read these articles on the God’s Politics blog and on our website. But before you do that, support this work.
We’re invested in standing with our sisters and brothers in the civil rights movement and in addressing the challenges that Mr. Beck aims at Sojourners and me. When I remember that Dr. Martin Luther King would also have been a Beck target – up on his infamous blackboard too – I know that I am in good company.
With Sojourners’ media credibility and profile, our strong coalitions of faith leaders, and dedicated readers like you, we can address the brash lies told by Glenn Beck and invite a more civil dialogue – one that does not drive people to fear and division, but one that is inspired by hope and the biblical call to racial reconciliation and social justice, care for the poor, prophetic advocacy, and personal and social transformation in Christ.
We have reached out to Mr. Beck with an invitation to civil dialogue, but until he responds, we cannot remain silent. Sojourners will speak truth against his allegations, and we refuse to let Mr. Beck’s rally cast a dark shadow over the civil rights movement, which has inspired Sojourners and other movements for freedom and dignity around the world.
Early next week, pictures and updates from this weekend’s events will be posted on the God’s Politics blog.
Blessings for all your support!
Jim Wallis
President and CEO of Sojourners
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