Dear Friends,

I invite you to join Bishop Sharma Lewis, several district superintendents including me, and many United Methodists and other people of faith for a peaceful march for justice. This march is being organized through Woodlawn-Faith United Methodist Church’s “Beyond the Walls” satellite campus of mostly African-American young adults. It will be held on Tuesday, June 9, at Walt Whitman Middle School in Fairfax County, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The march will proceed for two miles and end back at that school.

Why would we want to support such a march? First, because it is an expression of our discipleship as followers of Jesus Christ as our Lord. But beyond bearing witness to our faith, it may also be a means for internal healing or catharsis for those who are struggling to do something that will be a positive expression of what they are feeling. It might also be a catalyst to engage action that will change the societal structures and systems that continue to perpetuate racial disparity in our country. It can also be a rallying cry for the church to refocus our efforts and energies as God’s agent for goodness, healing, justice, and reconciliation in the world today.

I know that there are concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and we do not want to put anyone in a place where they would feel unsafe. Face masks will be worn at the march, and social distancing can be practiced.

We will bear witness to God’s call to us as followers of Jesus and as United Methodists, as we participate in this peaceful protest for racial justice, and you may be witness with us in spirit if not in person, and we will appreciate your prayers. You may also want to offer financial support, which can be done through the link below.

This link provides more information, as well as a place to register. Participants are asked to wear black shirts, and clergy are invited to wear red stoles.