| Office of Emerging Ministries Metropolitan Community Churches On the Occasion of the Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Dear Friends:
This coming Sunday, August 28, a memorial dedicated to justice, democracy, hope and love will be unveiled in Washington, D.C. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will not only commemorate the life and work of Dr. King and his contributions to world peace and non-violent social change, but will also serve as a public sanctuary where people of every race, every creed, every nation of origin and culture, every sexual orientation and gender identity can reflect on his legacy and the continuing call to live in a way that honors and respects the diversity of God's creation.
"I have a dream" ~ the rallying cry of hundreds of thousands of people seeking jobs and freedom 48 years ago ~ has become the hope and inspiration of people struggling for human equality around the globe, thanks to the work and witness of Dr. King. From non-violent protests in Kuala Lumpur
earlier this year, with members of Good Samaritan MCC participating, to the young demonstrators in Tahrir Square, Egypt, the spirit of Dr. King is alive and well. The "fierce urgency of now" that he preached continues to inspire men, women and children to claim and stand up for their inherent value and worth as people of God.
I will have the opportunity to represent Metropolitan Community Churches at one of the receptions honoring Dr. King and the dedication of the monument to him. We can all be part of this historic day by remembering the man whose courage, conviction, leadership, spiritual focus and hope changed our world forever. My hope is that this prayer will rekindle in us that new and right spirit King sought to cultivate, and that soon and very soon, LGBT people and all our brothers and sisters will be able to say with one voice: "Free at last, free at last; thank God Almighty, we are free at last."
O God, On this historic day, when the world marks the dedication of a monument to the memory of love's power to overcome bigotry and injustice; a monument to the enduring change peaceful actions can bring, we pray in thanksgiving for your beloved son and servant, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We thank you for the many lives and institutions, the many laws and systems and global relationships that were changed because of his witness. And we pray this day, not only to remember his dream, but to live out its legacy with every choice and decision we make. Make us instruments of peace and good will, of hope and healing until at last all enmity and animosity, all prejudice and oppression shall cease, and people everywhere shall live as one family under God. We make this prayer today trusting in the name of Jesus the Christ and lifting up the good example of Martin Luther King, Jr. Amen. In hope and with love, 
The Rev. Elder Darlene Garner Director of the Office of Emerging Ministries Metropolitan Community Churches | 
