Spend Martin Luther King Day with His Principles of Nonviolence

Martin Luther King Day, observed on the third Monday of January, occurs this year on January 20. Dr. King was the chief spokesman for nonviolence in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. What better way to spend this Federal holiday than studying his Six Principles of Nonviolence? St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church offers that opportunity to teens and adults in its “Be Love” event, honoring Dr. King from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s North Hall.

Through reflection and age-appropriate activities, participants will study his Six Principles and engage in his work. “It is important to remember that ‘nonviolence’ is not the same as ‘passivity’,” said The Rev. Dr. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s. “Consider some of the teachings of his Six Principles: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It leads to redemption and reconciliation as it chooses love not hate and seeks to defeat injustice not people. It accepts suffering without retaliation. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice and that God is a God of justice.”

In addition to The Rev. Altopp, “Be Love” will be led by Sue Vogelman, Associate for Youth & Family Ministry, and The Rev. Erika Hagan, Associate for Caring Ministries. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, go to st.stephensridgefield.org, or scan the QR code on the “Be Love” flyer.