Saturday, March 7, 2015

On this 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday (Selma)


Prayer of Thanksgiving for Those Who Marched
(To Commemorate Selma to Montgomery Bridge Crossing)

Gracious God, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the six hundred strong, the
men and women who, as one in your Spirit, marched for freedom on Bloody
Sunday. Their way of courage and non-violence remains alive and inspires us to
follow them. In our mind’s eye, as we remember their witness, guide us in their
footsteps as we march on to a future where all your children will flourish together
in your love. Amen.

A Litany for Racial Reconciliation
Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us
People: to join in the determination of those who marched for freedom on
Bloody Sunday to be prophets of change.

Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us
People: to break down walls that separate races and unite us in a single
body.

Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us
People: to persist in undermining unjust structures that divide and wound us.

Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us
People: to search for common ground and understanding.

Leader: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us
People: to live in community as sisters and brothers of the family of God.

Leader and People: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has
anointed us to be reconciled to and love one another. Amen.

Offered by the Faith in Community Workgroup of Greater Birmingham Ministries. Adapted from 1979 Year of Repentance, Anti-Racism Study Packet, United Church of Canada, Saskatchewan Conference. From Seeing the Face of God in Each Other: A Manual for Antiracism Training and Action, Antiracism Committee of the Executive Council, 2003. Episcopal Church USA.

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