Through the impeachment process and pending election we are facing not only a test of democracy but a test of faith similar to the Civil Rights struggle.
Celebrating the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded me of how active faith leaders were in speaking truth to power, demonstrating and going to jail as a means of raising human consciousness and changing the course of history.
I think we are in desperate need of moral leadership that is actively concerned with the soul of our nation. Signs of it were evident in our Interfaith Service at Cedar Lane UU Church were the sacred texts, prayers, music and messages of nine faith traditions reaffirmed the belief of Dr. King, “…that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality."
I applaud the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for having Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of the African Methodist Episcopal Church address the packed Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on the critical need for raising our moral voices “everyday" in our homes, offices, streets, on Capitol Hill and in front of the White House.
The grand tribute to Dr. King at the Music Center for the Arts at Strathmore opened with students from Sikh, Jewish and Christian traditions offering inspiring invocations. It illustrated the value of raising children who know that character counts and who are sustaining the legacy of Dr. King.
The day after the tributes, our Executive Committee shared a brown bag lunch with members and staff of the County Council. We reported on what we are doing to create a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate Montgomery County. What stood out was a comment from a Councilmember emphasizing the need for greater civic engagement on the part of our faith communities.
In short, we need prophetic voices being heard within and beyond the walls of our sanctuaries. For encouragement remember the words of Dr. King, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” And, "The ultimate measure of a (person) is not where (one) stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where (one) stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Our democracy and our faith are being tested today. Let us respond with confidence in "unarmed truth and unconditional love."
Faithfully,
Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman
Interfaith Community Liaison
Office of Community Partnerships
Documentary Film Screening & Special Re-release Edition
‘Journey into America’
Uplifting, Moving and Powerful
Sunday, March 8, 2020
3:00-5:30 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Washington D.C. Temple, Visitors' Center Auditorium
9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington, MD 20895
Professor & Islamic scholar Akbar Ahmed’s team visited 75 cities & 100 mosques interviewing & documenting the Muslim Journey into America
Experience the Journey of Muslim Immigrants into America
