March From Selma to Montgomery, AL

From our rector, Tricia Templeton:

I leave tomorrow for Alabama and on Saturday morning will begin the march from Selma to Montgomery, retracing the heroes of the Civil Rights movement took 50 years ago. We arrive in Montgomery on Wednesday. Five days, 54 miles. The National Park Service is sponsoring this "Walking Classroom," and has arranged for us to meet with those on the original march and those involved in struggles for Civil Rights today along the way. Several have asked how they can support us on the way. Here's one way. I have written this litany that I will pray every morning before we begin. I invite you to pray it with me throughout the walk.

Litany for Selma

Gracious God, as we set out on this pilgrimage make us ever mindful of those who have walked this way before us, remembering their courage, strength and dignity in the fight for justice.
We are walking on holy ground.

We remember the countless number of African Americans who were martyred in the battle for Civil Rights, including Jimmie Lee Jackson, the Rev. George Lee, Lamar Smith, Medgar Evers, and James Chaney.
We are walking on holy ground.

We remember those of other races and creeds who died answering the call to work for justice for all God’s people, including the Rev. James Reeb, Viola Liuzzo, Jonathan Daniels, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner.
We are walking on holy ground.

We give thanks for the progress that has been made in the past 50 years, but pray for the strength and wisdom to resist those in our own day who devise new obstacles to the ballot box.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We remember those who are still denied their Civil Rights, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who can not marry the people they love.
Lord, hear our prayer.

We remember those who are marginalized by poverty, by their immigration status, by the color of their skin or their religion. May we never grow weary in the fight for justice for all God’s people.
Lord, hear our prayer.

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on til victory is won.