Keeping the dream alive, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center hosted the Progressive Religious Coalition of Augusta’s 16th annual Martin Luther King Jr. service of celebration on Wednesday evening, Jan. 17.
Recognizing and commemorating King’s mission for equality and peace for all, the Coalition’s event showcased representatives from various religions to highlight the importance of unity.
With a full-house, the service began with everyone singing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” as members from different churches, denominations and faiths stood side-by-side in remembrance of King Jr.
Participants included: Presbyterians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Roman Catholics, Hindus, Unitarian Universalists, Baha’is, Episcopalians and more.
“We continue to shape – through our words and actions – the hopes and vision of Rev. Martin Lther King Jr.,” said Rev. Nick Filzen of the Unitarian Universalist Ministry. “What we shape here will have a ripple effect going forward … it’s a lot to shape, but we can do it because we do it together.”
“I choose to walk the walk of radical love,” he said. “That is the true hope that helps transform our world through love.”
Honoring King Jr. and his love of music, the event also featured songs and reading selections from many diverse religious and community groups, such as the Davidson Chorale singing “All My Trials” and a performance from “Sistas, the Musical” by the Augusta Jr. Players, the latter which caused audience members to tear up and give a standing ovation.
Participant Bishop Gregory Godsey, representing Old Catholics, said he believed a strong foundation of love would lead to a more united and peaceful world.
“In that radical love, we help to heal the divisions and damages done in the world in the name of faith or religion,” he said. “We heal the damage and divisions done because of racism, bigotry and hatred. Only love can heal the world that is so divided today, and love cannot exist in a world devoid of hope.”
After a minor reading, Rabbi Remy Liverman, of the Congregation Children of Israel, said she believed every kind and selfless act represented a living and breathing prayer.
“It is through action, and not merely words or prayer, that we not only survive but thrive,” she said. “We cannot merely pray for justice and peace, we must actively pursue it.”
Following Liverman, keynote speaker Jon Ellis Mecham presented to audience members how citizens could and should fight to protect the foundational idealisms and unity of America.
“Democracy is worth the saving,” he said. “If we don’t see each other as neighbors, democracy fails.”
In today’s polarizing social and political environments, Mecham said America’s soul is being tested again and again, and the country needs its citizens to once again care about the restoration of democracy and unity.
“Our soul is at stake. Our democracy is at stake. The things you care about are at stake,” he said. “And democracy is worth saving, if we ourselves prove that we’re worth saving.”
Taking Mecham’s message to heart, regarding how to safeguard America’s future by joining together in spirit, audience members ended the event by singing together “We Shall Overcome” while holding hands and remembering Martin Jr.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
