National Faith Leaders Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

National faith leaders issue the following statements honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

“This year Martin Luther King Jr. Day feels especially sacred. These are pivotal days that will be remembered for generations to come. As we collectively suffer through a pandemic, social unrest, domestic terrorism and racial violence, the church has a responsibility to stand up for truth and love.

“In order to adequately honor Martin Luther King Jr. this year, the people of God must prioritize the Lamb’s agenda. We must lead by example, being led by the Spirit of God. Righteousness, justice and grace must be the driving forces behind all of our interactions from the dinner table, to the pulpit, to the U.S. Capitol.

“We must honor the image of God in every individual, ensuring that people of every color and creed are able to speak, worship and live freely without fear. Most of all, we must acknowledge that the full vision of Dr. King remains unfilled, and it is for us to ask ourselves on this sacred day what we are to do about it.”

Nick Hall, Founder of Pulse, the Millennial-Led Evangelism Movement

“Martin Luther King Jr’s voice has never been more needed. As I’ve reflected on his words over the past year of unrest, my heart has longed for nationwide repentance and revival. Dr. King’s prophetic voice calls to us from the past, reminding us that the work is not finished.

“We must repent individually and collectively. It starts with me. I repent of my complicity and ask all people of faith to do the same. God, forgive us for not standing against injustice and oppression at every level. Forgive us for where we have not stood for life from birth to grave.

“Let us continue the brave work of Martin Luther King Jr. as God calls us in Micah 6:8 (NIV) to ‘act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’

“May God forgive us and heal our land.”

Jason Yates, CEO of My Faith Votes

“There is no doubt about it, our nation is in a challenging time. We must take a page from the history books, refusing to take this moment for granted, and learn from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he explains:

“‘Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty and say, ‘If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the twentieth century, I will be happy’… we have been forced to a point where we are going to have to grapple with the problems that men have been trying to grapple with through history, but the demands didn’t force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with them.’

“We should take to heart this truth Martin Luther King Jr. shared over 50 years ago. God put you and me at this moment in history for a purpose. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who stood with him knew the road ahead would be challenging, but they were committed to standing together for what they knew was right. And it is the words Rev. King closed his message with that remind us where true peace can be found, even in the most difficult of circumstances:

“‘I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!’

“May we be found faithful in our actions and do God’s will in our families, church, communities and in our nation as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Together, let’s encourage one another with Rev. King’s words today and stand united for biblical values in the public square.” {eoa}