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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, religious leaders from across the United States gathered at Healing Cathedral Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. The event, titled "For Such a Time as This," aimed to unite people of faith amid the emotions surrounding the presidential inauguration.
Bishop William J. Barber II highlighted President Donald Trump's return to office as a symptom of societal issues. He emphasized that their calling persists beyond any presidency, stating, “Our problem is not just because one person gets the title ‘president.’ Our calling exists no matter where or when we are in the nation.”
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson spoke on unity against injustice and said, “We are here to say we are going to work together for the people whose lives will be disrupted by the policies of this government.”
Rev. Terri Hord-Owens encouraged imagining a new world driven by love and collaboration: “Love is the answer we keep hearing over and over,” she noted.
Rev. Shane Claiborne warned against ignoring injustices, saying, “Our silence means complicity.”
Local challenges were also addressed, including remarks by Rev. Gordon Myers on keeping movements alive despite difficulties like Tyre Nichols' death last year.
Bishop Yvette Flunder performed "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," adding musical inspiration to messages shared throughout the gathering.
Earlier in the day, faith leaders participated in prophetic listening during the presidential inauguration broadcast at Church in the River in Memphis. This practice involved reflection on justice and compassion guided by Repairers of the Breach members.
The events underscored connection among participants as they faced challenges with renewed hope and purpose for change.
