Making Our Slogan a Reality

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This familiar refrain by Martin Luther King, Jr., reminds us, as people of faith, of our responsibility to promote justice, not only in our communities, but also in the world at large. This is a challenging proposition given the times in which we live. Far too often, justice is interpreted as a “just us” action.

Growing up, I had a front-row seat to the vast injustice perpetrated on people of color in our country. The call for social justice was the foundation for economic, medical, environmental and educational justice along with other areas of disparity that have torn humanity’s moral fabric. The church, at times, was the fortress we could retreat to for protection, the field hospital during the battle, the restaurant for the hungry and rest stop for the weary. These charitable acts help to forge and sustain warriors as they battled for justice.

The church must once again accept the mantel. The injustices in our region are immense. So, how do we bridge the gulf? How do we handle the tension between the liberating justice of God with human justice? Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” indicated that the struggle is real, even within the body of Christ. It has been said that we should not be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good, nor be so earthly minded, we are no heavenly good. We cannot let our search for divine justice blind us to the injustice in front of us, nor can we be so socially engaged that we forget God has the final say. His teachings are the moral plumbline with which all just causes must align. Through our Savior Jesus Christ a seat has been set at the table of justice where all can be seen and heard. Our Convention’s slogan is “One Faith. Many Cultures. Endless Possibilities.”

Together we can make this slogan a reality.

In February, however you choose to celebrate Black History Month, acknowledge the indelible impact Black people have had on our country, our communities and our faith experience. In March, Women’s History Month, take time to recognize the accomplishment of women over the years in a variety of fields. All these contributions, known and unknown, were made possible by our God. Our Convention will have special programming to coincide with each month. Stay connected with us so you don’t miss any opportunities to strengthen your ministry, your church, or the kingdom.

Blessings.

Rev. Patti Fears

Rev. Patricia H. Fears President of the DCBC Board of Directors