US Senator speaks at St Paul’s to mark 60th anniversary since Martin Luther King preached at Cathedral
US Senator speaks at St Paul’s to mark 60th anniversary since Martin Luther King preached at Cathedral
Joined by 150 members of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where King was the Co-Pastor, Revd Warnock spoke to a large number of attendees including members of Martin Luther King’s family. In his lecture, the Reverend reflected on King’s legacy, what his messages mean to us today and what can be learnt 60 years on.
Revd Raphael Warnock said:
'When Martin Luther King Jr stood in that pulpit 60 years ago, he was not just standing in a pulpit, but he was standing at a crossroads - of the ongoing struggle of a leader for a movement of democracy - a movement that had begun to inspire people all over the world.'
In 1964, on a flying visit on his way to Norway to collect his Nobel Peace Prize, Martin Luther King addressed a congregation of 4,000 people from the pulpit at St Paul’s. The visit gave the British public a rare opportunity to hear him in person. Afterwards, he gave a press conference in the Cathedral’s Chapter House about race relations in the UK.
Described as “spellbinding” by journalists there at the time, King took his theme from the Book of Revelation, discussing the parallels to be drawn between the UK and the US when it came to race relations.
Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, said:
'As we mark 60 years since Dr Martin Luther King Jr preached at the Cathedral, his message of equality and justice, continue to resonate with us all today. Guided by his faith in God, King’s words act as a reminder to choose love and compassion over intolerance and prejudice.
'Bringing together communities across the UK and the US, Revd Warnock’s lecture reflected on King’s wisdom and humanity, inspiring us all in the ongoing struggle against injustice in all its forms for individuals and groups across the world.'
US Ambassador to the UK, Jane Hartley, who was in attendance, commented in advance of the event:
'Tonight, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic sermon delivered at St. Paul's Cathedral by the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. I want to recognise a group of parishioners who have travelled all the way from the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where Reverend King was once pastor. The Ebenezer Baptist Church holds a special place in American history, and tonight the church’s Senior Pastor, the Senator from Georgia, Reverend Raphael Warnock will share with us his reflections on Dr King's legacy.
'There’s a reason Dr King's teachings have far outlived his time. His sermons were universal, as applicable to people living in Birmingham, England as they were to the marchers Dr King led in Birmingham, Alabama. Many thanks to St. Paul's for allowing us to honour the legacy of Dr King and celebrate the values that bind our countries together: our deep commitment to equality, democracy, and opportunity.'
Revd Warnock is the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. In 2021, Warnock was elected to the United States Senate, the first African American to represent Georgia and the first Black Democrat to be elected to the Senate from a Southern State.
