This weekend we remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The following reflection, taken from “We Are the Spirit’s Movement Toward Love,” resources shared by the United Church of Christ for MLK Day 2026, focuses on Dr. King’s commitment and call to nonviolence.
“In the movements Dr. King shaped and was shaped by, the strategy and philosophy of nonviolence was the beating heart. King placed himself within a long line of nonviolent activists, from Jesus to Ghandi to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. And many have continued use this central tactic within movements toward racial justice. Yet, the nonviolence at the heart of the civil rights and southern freedom movements has often been misunderstood as an avoidance of conflict, or misused to condemn and tone police the actions of newer resistance movements. A deeper exploration of the practice of
nonviolence could offer sustenance and inspiration for those who are being called to join the movement in this moment. For King, nonviolence was not only a movement tactic, but a fundamental approach to life, including the inner life of oneself. Transforming the violence within ourselves is indelibly linked to the transformation of violence in society itself. How might we be called to practice nonviolence as the pathway to racial justice?”
(Resources prepared by Dr. Sharon R. Fennema)
In Ireland, one of my fellow, “In the Footsteps of Angela Merici” pilgrims, Sr. Clair, OSU has what she calls a walking ministry. She just abides with souls that need a companion and does the deep listening needed. I too have a walking ministry, here in Idaho. Social justice requires actors, prayer’s, walkers and listeners. We are many parts! Living our charisms as gift can help us to BEST be for others. The walking ministry we do in social justice, where all are welcome, is a practice in non-violence and a pathway to peace.