January 31, 2006

LOS ANGELES – The Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches has issued the following statement on the death of Coretta Scott King:

Today we join with people of goodwill around the globe who mourn the passing of civil rights leader Coretta Scott King. As people of faith, we also celebrate her life and her lasting legacy on behalf of human rights and nonviolence.

We say with deep conviction: Our world is a better place because of her life. And the lives of millions are better because of her life's work.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people give special honor to the commitment she brought to the civil and human rights of our communities.

We will long remember her words on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her husband's assassination, "I still hear people say that I should not be talking about the rights of lesbian and gay people and I should stick to the issue of racial justice. But I hasten to remind them that Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream to make room at the table of brother- and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people."

And we remember with great affection her presence and support when she spoke at Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, where she echoed her strong commitment to the human rights of all people, including our own LGBT people.

Today, we remember her family with our love and prayers and offer thanks to God for her presence among us. We pray that each of our own lives, committed to the cause of equality and justice, might be a living legacy to Coretta Scott King's life and a testimony to her abiding work.

As Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, I ask that prayers on behalf of her family and in celebration of her life be offered during public worship in Metropolitan Community Churches around the world this Sunday.

The Reverend Nancy L. Wilson
Office of the Moderator

Metropolitan Community Churches