Interfaith Service To Honor MLK Day In Montclair: 2024 Event

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A 2024 interfaith service will take place in Montclair in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at noon on Monday, Jan. 15 at St. Paul Baptist Church, 119 Elm Street.

According to an online event posting:

“For the first time since the Covid 19 Lockdown, Montclair will be home to an in-person Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service. A longstanding tradition upheld by the Montclair African American Clergy Association, the Montclair Interfaith Clergy Association, and the Montclair NAACP this service returns to inspire collective work for liberation.

“The honored preacher is the Rev. Dr. Campbell Singleton of the Union Baptist Church. Dr. Singleton will preach on the pertinent theme for our town and our global community: “Stop the Hate Before it’s too Late!.” Rev. Dr. Singleton shares “On October 4th, a staff member at Union Baptist was repeatedly called the N-word by a neighbor. On October 7th, Hamas attacked Israel and Interfaith groups began working together to support each other in a series of events. Returning harm, hurt and hate with more hurt, harm and hate is not the answer. Only love can heal the hurt and Stop the Hate!”

“Leading the effort to organize this event, Pastor Robert Coles shares: "Our coalition is excited to have another opportunity to celebrate with the world, the life, legacy and achievements of REV. Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. On this day we highlight the importance of continuing the dream of this great Champion for Civil Rights, and hopefully, reflect and take action on civil rights issues across the globe. We concur with the King Center’s claim, that “Kingian Nonviolence is a sustainable solution to injustice and violence everywhere in the world”. This holiday is a perfect opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the work and impact of Dr. King, In the midst of a world torn by war, injustice and hate, while recommitting to the goal of showing respect and dignity toward one another, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or national origin.”

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