Members of the Southwest Conference, let us unite in time of prayer and fasting. Voting rights are taking center stage this Martin Luther King Day weekend. Hunger strikes in Washington DC and in many local communities have begun in earnest with hope that nonviolent action will move politicians to heed the will of a supermajority of Americans who want voting rights protected by passing the combined Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Amendment Act.
This is more than a political moment. The value and dignity of every one of us and every one of our neighbors is being questioned, challenged, and even attacked. We are in a collective spiritual crisis at its deepest level. Each one of us is being asked to decide by our actions if we truly believe all people are created in the image of God. Beliefs that are real are proven by actions not by the rhetoric we deliver.
An upcoming vote on the Senate filibuster, recent disappointing statements by Senators Sinema and Manchin that they support the cause but won’t take action for change, and repeated efforts by state legislatures to undermine democracy with oppressive election legislation leave a supermajority of Americans discouraged, angry, and ready for action. We are ready to act because we believe what we say: all people are created equal, every person is entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Fasting and prayer are nonviolent spiritual practices to which Scripture calls us in moments of crisis, mourning, discernment, fear, and hoped-for change. Anyone can fast and pray. Whether it's for one meal, one day, or one weekend, setting aside our appetite for food makes room in our hearts and minds to focus on other things - bigger things - for which we hunger, like justice, unity, and peace. Biblical women and men including Esther and Moses, historic leaders including Gandhi and Cesar Chavez offer us powerful examples of how fasting brings transformation in society and within ourselves.
The importance of this moment in our national narrative cannot be overstated. The future of our democratic republic hangs is being determined. Will we emerge one nation under God with liberty and justice for all? Let us fast and pray that we will.
Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons
Southwest Conference Minister
In addition to praying and fasting there are many voting rights activities and civil rights celebrations in which we can participate.
UNITE HERE Local 11 and CASE will join the ongoing Hunger Strike for Democracy in on Washington DC by launching a hunger strike in Phoenix beginning Friday, December 14, 2022, at the State Capitol building at 9am. They will also be at the AZ Capitol on Sunday and Monday. Joining their fast, visiting them, and offering encouragement are ways to take action and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learn about other activities: