Prophetic voices in our land, whose praises now are sung,
Were met with violence in their time, too often shot or hung.
Too often church stood idly by in pose of righteousness,
When we are called to shout God’s truth and make a holy mess.
Denounce injustice, shout down hate, make faithless leaders hear;
This is our call, and not to cower in craven, fawning fear.
Those voices silenced long ago are calling still today;
To live in truthful justice is the only kingdom way.
So let the church, in holy awe, live into God’s command,
And work for justice everywhere, beginning in this land.
TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, January 2022
MUSIC: Suggested tune McKEE, African American spiritual; Jubilee Songs, 1884; adapt. Harry T. Burleigh, 1940.
I don’t think I would call it a hymn for MLK Jr. Day, but maybe a hymn inspired by it?
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