[Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut] On August 28, 1963 a quarter of a million people joined the March on Washington for freedom, equality, and human rights. That day, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired our nation with words of challenge, determination, and hope: “I have a dream…” That speech helped to set the tone and direction for the country, including The Episcopal Church’s deeper engagement in the civil rights movement.

Dr. King confronted the racism and sin of our society with a deep faith in God’s mission of reconciliation, a vision of a Beloved Community, and a conviction that all people are created in the image of God.

His profound commitment to non-violence became a most powerful instrument of social change.

Now, 50 years later, we can give thanks for the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the dedication of millions of Americans who have worked for social justice following the principles of non-violence and the Gospel of Peace.

As much as we can rejoice in major strides for justice over these years, we are well aware that Dr. King’s dream has not been fully realized. There is much more work for all of us to do to ensure the dignity of every human being and to secure basic human rights and opportunity for all people.

This week, across our country, there will be community observances of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. We encourage you to join these events to remember, to pray, and to look to the future. Each of us, right now, has the opportunity to recommit ourselves to the principles of non-violence and rededicate ourselves to the dream of a society that is truly the Beloved Community.

May God fill our hearts with thanksgiving and give us the strength and courage to carry forward the work and dreams of the brave women and men who have gone before us.

In the Peace of Christ,

Ian T. Douglas
Laura J. Ahrens
James E. Curry

Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut