On Thursday, the Reclaiming Jesus initiative boldly found its voice in Washington, DC with a service at National City Christian Church co-led by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners followed by a candlelight procession to the White House where marchers stood vigil and prayed. The action is part of “Reclaiming Jesus: A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis,” an ecumenical Christian elders’ initiative launched in March to “reclaim Jesus” from those believed to be using Christian theology for political gain.
The march garnered more media attention than it might have otherwise in the wake of Curry’s well-received and highly praised sermon at the Royal Wedding.
We are Christian leaders bearing moral witness to the teachings of our faith in the public square. As citizens we want our government to reflect our values.
~Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
Curry was the initiator of the Reclaiming Jesus initiative. It began as a months-long conversation between Curry and Wallis, out of which grew an Ash Wednesday retreat with other faith leaders. Watch the video announcing the launch of the initiative.
Curry and Wallis hope the actions in Washington will be the beginning of a deeper study of scripture and a national commitment to civil conversations.
Engage more deeply with these Reclaiming Jesus resources:
- Read the full statement at Reclaiming Jesus: A Confession of Faith in a Time of Crisis.
- Study the Bible using the free nine-part Reclaiming Jesus Bible Study.
- Increase your ability to have respectful conversations on difficult public topics by participating in a Civil Discourse Five Week Curriculum. “Civility is simply demonstrating respect for the dignity of our fellow humans—even those humans with whom we have sharp disagreement.
Civility is allowing others to speak, and having the humility to admit that we may have something to learn. Civility favors truth over cheap gain, and patience over knee-jerk judgment.
~Rabbi Steve Gutow