MLK is a servant of God who made a bold statement

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta sponsored an Ecumenical Prayer Service in Commemoration of the 50^thAnniversary of the Assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., April 23 at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, Ga.

The presiding minister was The Most Reverend Dr. Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta.  Guest speakers also included Bishop H. Julian Gordy, D.D.; Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, Ph.D; The Right Rev. Don A. Wimberly, D.D.; and The Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a native son of Atlanta. The speeches made by the clergy for the special occasion were informative and persuasive. All in all, the event was very inspiring except for some references to “dark” being synonymous with "bad" and "dreary" which some consider a negative connotation when referring to people of color.

Each speech was prefaced by musical selections from the AMA Choir, Our Lady of Mercy High School; Choir of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and the Cathedral Choir of Christ the King. A reception followed in Kenny Hall.

Something to consider: We are looking for new leaders to carry out King's message and God's promise who are protected and not used as targets. We need to change the old Negro spiritual to, "We shall overcome TODAY."

Some key points from event:

MLK's dream is God’s dream. Step out boldly to make it so.

Deeper issues of race plague our country, but King had the gift of forgiveness and a realistic hope. Keep hope alive.

MLK was a servant leader who shattered the southern system of segregation and provided a new dimension of dignity for Black Americans. Gwendolyn Brooks said he was a "prose poem." 
 

"Martin Luther King Jr."
By Gwendolyn Brooks

A man went forth with gifts.
He was a prose poem.

He was a tragic grace.
He was a warm music.

He tried to heal the vivid volcanoes.
His ashes are
reading the world.
His Dream still wishes to anoint
the barricades of faith and or control.

His word still burns the center of the sun,
above the thousands and the
hundred thousands.
The word was Justice. It was spoken.
So it shall be spoken.

So it shall be done.

We must follow Nonviolent Commandments:

Meditate.

Seek justice.

Walk in God's love.

Pray daily to free all men.

Sacrifice personal wishes.

Be courteous.

Serve others.

Refrain from violence.

Be in good health.

Follow the Captain.

The ultimate measure of man is how he stands in challenge and controversy. Remain steadfast. We must have a role larger than ourselves.

When faced with racism, make a bold statement that you're not part of it.

 

God will fulfill His promise.

Fr. Panayiotis (c) poses with family and international guests at reception following event.

Many have heard MLK's 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Speech, but not his lecture. Listen at: https://www.nobelprize.org/mediaplayer/index.php?id=2586

For a full view of the service, go to: https://vimeo.com/266522788