Community Peace and Justice - from a Faith Perspective
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Letter from Birmingham Jail
King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, is an open letter written on April 16, 1963, by Martin Luther King Jr. The letter defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism. It says that people have a moral responsibility to break unjust laws and to take direct action rather than waiting potentially forever for justice to come through the courts. Responding to being referred to as an “outsider,” King writes, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.
A Response to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
On the 50th anniversary of King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Christian Churches Together, a group representing a broad cross-section of Christian Churches in the United Sates published a thoughtful response to the letter.
About Christian Churches Together
Christian Churches Together Response to Dr. Martin L. King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail Biblical Study Guide For Small Groups
Letter from Birmingham Jail Reflection
National Cathedral – Washington, DC February 24, 2014 Sponsor: Aspen Institute, Broadcast on C-Span
Panelists talked about the historical, cultural, theological, literary and political significance Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” as well as how far we have come as a nation and how much remains to be done.
Other Resources
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Background on King’s Letter
From a Birmingham Jail
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute – Stanford
“Kings ‘Letter From
Birmingham Jail’
Still Challenges Us”
National Catholic Reporter – January 11, 2011