Honoring Martin Luther King
With a Deepening Partnership

On Sunday, 14 January, a bright and sunny day in Rochester, 40 parishioners from St. Luke’s left on a bus or in a car to travel to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul for their 10 a.m. service.  Last year, members of St. Philip’s had traveled to Rochester for our first annual celebration and remembrance of the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we arrived, the parish hall was filled with energy as members of the parish were preparing for the delicious luncheon following the service.  The Rev. James Jenkins presided and Mr. Christopher Crutchfield was the speaker.  Mr. Crutchfield is an attorney who currently works as an advocate in the Criminal Justice System.  His reflections focused our attention on the ongoing racial discrimination in housing, employment, and the criminal justice system.  He encouraged us to continue to work for change in our neighborhoods and work places.

Over 100 people gathered at St. Philip’s for worship and fellowship.

We look forward to next year's celebration in January, 2008, while we look for ongoing opportunities to champion the issues of civil rights and racial discrimination and racism in our daily places.

                               —the Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Rector, St. Luke's Church, Rochester

Photo provided by St. Luke's Church, Rochester