Social Justice Corner: John Lewis: Non-Violent Civil Rights Freedom Fighter

John Lewis: Non-Violent Civil Rights Freedom Fighter Submitted by Joan Plumley We recently honored the 5th anniversary of the death of John Lewis on July 17. He was the youngest of the key Civil Rights leaders in the 1960s and later served as a U.S. Congressman from 1986 until his death. He had an unparalleled reputation for physical courage. He was arrested 40 times, and withstood nearly as many assaults. In the march for the Black vote he was severely beaten as he tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma AL. Always acting from his strong Christian faith, he knew the cost of discipleship and was willing to pay the price. Nothing could deter him from fighting nonviolently against injustice. Motivated by his strong Christian faith, he had a mission to build the Beloved Community, a society of equity, justice, and freedom. He has lessons for us today. Are we willing to follow the Gospel at all costs?