MLK DAY AND OUR INTERFAITH WITNESS

Last Monday, St. Gregory's clergy team and some of our members joined the annual community march in memory of Dr. King. St. Gregory's clergy and our colleagues in BRICA (Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association) read excerpts from Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." Adding energy to our interfaith witness were the teens who comprise BRIYA (Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association), which is co-led by Gena Vallee of St. Gregory’s and Cathy Berkowitz of B’nai Torah.

What I found particularly moving was that the entire community of Boca Raton was present—the historic black community of Pearl City, where march participants convened at Boca's oldest church (Ebeneezer Baptist Church); the Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities, led by their gifted clergy: the political leadership, represented by the Mayor and members of the City Council; and, the school community, led by the spirited marching band of Boca Raton High School. There was, as one clergy member remarked, "Unity in the Community." The unifying spirit behind this was the life and legacy of Dr. King, who prophetically challenged our nation to live into a dream where all God's children are valued, welcomed and fully participating in a nation where "justice rolls down like water and righteousness like mighty stream."  It is a dream that still compels, inspires and unites. It is a dream that makes a difference because it reflects God's dream for humanity. The truth is Dr. King was not just a civil rights leader, he was a human rights leader, as the keynote speaker on this day observed. So, this week we give thanks to Dr. King for making a difference and for our interfaith clergy, community and youth leadership that keep alive the power of Dr. King's vision.

Blessings in Christ,

Andrew+