We asked members of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council to reflect on the meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which we celebrate today. Here are four reflections:

Rev. Michael Stephens is pastor at Southwood United Church of Christ in Raytown and represents Protestant Christianity on the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council. He reflects on a letter written by Dr. King.

“One of the treasures in my possession is a letter written to me by the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Of course, I was only two months old when he was assassinated, but his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was addressed to white, progressive pastors like me. 

“Unfortunately, MLK was frustrated that we too often are asking the whole “Black Lives Matter” movement to slow down and wait for justice to come. That letter is still an unsettling treasure that implores me to do more from my seat of privilege.”

Read the “Letter from Birhmingham Jail” here: https://www.csuchico.edu/iege/_assets/documents/susi-letter-from-birmingham-jail.pdf

https://www.kcinterfaith.org/team_member/michael-stephens/

Zulfiqar Malik, a member of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and  of the Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City, sent the following note to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

“I join my fellow American Muslims in welcoming January 17 as a day of service. We hope to commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. King, reorient ourselves morally and spiritually, and commit to transforming ourselves and the community around us. 

“We also reflect on the words of late Muhammad Ali, who was born 80 years ago on January 17. He once said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’ ”

https://www.kcinterfaith.org/team_member/zulfiqar-malik/ 

Ira Sirkar Harritt has represented the the Sufi Faith on the Greater KC Interfaith Council since 2011. Here is reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“Martin Luther King Jr.’s query, “So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love?” resonates with me today.

“Sufis are known as lovers of God and the journey to God takes place within the heart. Rumi called us to “Let the beauty we love be what we do…” On MLK’s birthday, I call for more loving extremism.”

https://www.kcinterfaith.org/team_member/ira-sirkar-harritt/

Rev. Kelly Isola is the immediate past president of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and comes from the Unity movement includes about 1,000 churches and spiritual centers worldwide. Here is her reflection on MLK Day of Service:

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service did not begin as a day of service, and because it has changed its name and focus to being in service, the day is even more meaningful for me because I am committed to creating a culture of caretaking. 

“While this day is a federal holiday and many people can enjoy a day off, I consider it a DAY ON. A day to focus, to be focused, much as Martin Luther King, Jr. was. It’s a day to remind me not to be distracted by whatever is happening in my world, but rather to take a deep breath and remember my inherent goodness, and give some of that away. 

“MLK Day of Service is an anchor for me, a way to respond to his statement, “So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice, or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?” I am an extremist with love and justice for all.”

https://www.kcinterfaith.org/team_member/rev-kelly-isola/

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