London, UK
On 6th December, 1964, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, preached at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK, on his way to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Now, 60 years on, St Paul’s is embarking on a major project to celebrate that momentous occasion involving several months of talks, workshops and educational activities.
Senator Rev Raphael Warnock preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral. PICTURE: Courtesy of St Pauls Cathedral
The project was launched at the cathedral early last month with a sermon from Senator Rev Raphael Warnock, the first African American to represent Georgia in the US Senate and senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta where Martin Luther King was once pastor.
Preaching to a packed congregation, Rev Warnock said: “When Martin Luther King Jr stood in that pulpit 60 years ago, he was not just standing in a pulpit, but he was standing at a crossroads – a movement that had begun to inspire people all over the world.”
The Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, echoed Warnock’s words, pointing out that King’s work remains universally relevant.
“As we mark 60 years since Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, preached at the cathedral, his message of equality and justice, continue to resonate with us all today,” he said. “Guided by his faith in God, King’s words act as a reminder to choose love and compassion over intolerance and prejudice.”
“Bringing together communities across the UK and the US, Rev Warnock’s lecture reflected on King’s wisdom and humanity, inspiring us all in the ongoing struggle against injustice in all its forms for individuals and groups across the world.”
Some 150 members of the Ebenezer Baptist Church were present for the event as was Jane Hartley, US Ambassador to the UK.
Martin Luther King, Jr, preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on 6th December, 1964. PICTURE: Courtesy of St Paul’s Cathedral.
King’s visit in December, 1964, provided a rare opportunity for British people to see and hear him in person. More than 4,000 people packed out the cathedral keen to hear his words. In his sermon, King referred to the need for people to be the best they could be paraphrasing Douglas Malloch’s poem Be the Best of Whatever You Are.
Afterwards, King attended a press conference in the Cathedral’s chapter house where he answered questions about race relations, and pointed out that immigration laws based on colour were out of keeping with the laws of God.
Such issues are again being raised in St Paul’s Cathedral’s anniversary project. It aims to celebrate the universal importance of King’s words, as well as how he responded to the extreme violence he was encountering in the US. The project will highlight ways in which the ongoing struggle for racial justice continues, and how people should engage in it so as to create an enduring legacy.
There will also be performances of newly commissioned music to celebrate the occasion, as well as a creative writing afternoon to encourage modern responses to his work. A day long retreat will enable participants to explore his theology, thinking and implications for today. On a wider educational basis, St Paul’s Cathedral plan to issue written reflections for October’s UK Black History Month and throughout the project hold workshops for seven to 14-year-old children attending primary and secondary schools in the area.
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In December, the Rev Dr Catherine Okoronkwo will preach at a special anniversary Choral Evensong, while earlier that day Professor Anthony Reddie preaches at the Anniversary Sung Eucharist before giving a talk on King’s theology, philosophy and politics set against the continual challenge to work for justice in our own time.
For St Paul’s Cathedral, this project continues the impact Dr Martin Luther King had during that visit 60 years ago.
As Rev Raphael Warnock pointed out “When Martin Luther King Jr stood in that pulpit 60 years ago, he was not just standing in a pulpit, but he was standing at a crossroads – of the ongoing struggle of a leader for a movement of democracy – a movement that had begun to inspire people all over the world.”
