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Valentine’s Day: A Celebration of Love (and Justice?)

Each year on February 14, many people celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers, and tender expressions of romantic love and mutual affection. And there is nothing wrong with that.  The experience of romantic love is a gift to be celebrated, and the mutually supportive love of a committed couple is a blessing to be cherished.  But the traditional story of ‘Saint Valentine’ calls us to yet another kind of love.

Traditions surrounding Valentine place him in third-century Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. The details are layered with legend and there are a few different early traditions, but the most common tradition (perhaps a particularly popular combination of traditions) has remained more or less consistent since the earliest versions: Valentine was a Christian leader (usually described as a ‘priest’ or ‘bishop’) who ministered to believers living under an Empire that demanded—even if only symbolically and nominally—the acknowledgment of Caesar as divine and the Empire as that to which one owes one’s ultimate loyalty.  Thus, the world in which Valentine found himself was one in which citizenship, social standing, and active civic participation, as well as all legal and many key economic transactions, were totally dependent on one’s unconditional acceptance and public affirmation of the absolute power of the Empire, acts that were inextricably intertwined with ritual acts of devotion to the imperial cult of Caesar.

Valentine is remembered for providing aid to the poor and needy; providing a welcoming space for the homeless, the outcast, and the exiled; and protecting those being persecuted by the state because they would not worship the gods of the Empire, nor any political leader - Emperor or otherwise - who claimed to be a god.  But the main thing that connects him to later and contemporary celebrations of Valentine’s Day is that he secretly married Christian couples who were not willing to violate their conscience or blaspheme their faith by participating in the idolatrous worship of an authoritarian state and its absolute leader.  Because of this unjust and oppressive situation, the marriage of committed Christian couples had to take place secretly, without the recognition or validation by the state. And so, to perform such marriages was not merely a matter of duty and kindness on Valentine’s part; it was also a politically subversive and therefore dangerous act. It was a declaration that ultimate loyalty belongs to God alone, not to a Caesar claiming to be a god and not to an Empire claiming sacred authority for its absolute and abusive power, as well as its unjust and brutal treatment of those who had no choice but to disobey its laws, resist its authority, and refuse to participate in many of the required rituals of civic life.

For his resistance to unjust and idolatrous imperial laws, Valentine faced constant danger, risking almost certain imprisonment and death.  Apprehension, incarceration, and execution were not distant possibilities—they were ever-present dangers.  Indeed, tradition holds that around 269 CE, Valentine was caught, imprisoned, and put to death because of a faithfulness that unjust authorities considered seditious.

Centuries later, there developed a tradition in which before he was killed, the martyr sent a note of love and assurance to fellow  Christians and signed it “from your Valentine.”  And by the time of Geoffrey Chaucer, the feast day and the signature of this final letter had become associated with courtly romance and the pairing of lovers.  Eventually,  Christian memory intertwined with imagery drawn from Roman mythology, and the martyr’s witness was transformed into a celebration of affection between lovers.

But, again, beneath the roses, gifts, and sentimental pictures of a cherubic Cupid shooting lovers with magic arrows, there lies a different story of love, one in which - in distinction from romantic love, and in addition to the mutually supportive love between committed couples - love is the kind of true commitment that is ‘faithful unto death.’

A Passion for Justice

As all Disciples should know, along with deep Christian spirituality and true community, a passion for justice is one of the necessary marks  of a healthy and growing church.  Based on how we use the phrase today, I am not entirely sure we could indisputably say that Valentine had ‘a passion for justice.’  It might be more accurate to say that he had a passionate love for people in need: the poor, the marginalized, the excluded, the exiled, the persecuted, and those whose love for and commitment to each other needed the kind of blessing and authorization they could not receive from a state that would require them to blaspheme their faith and deny their conscience.  In other words, Valentines had the kind of zealous love that, although not entirely unrelated to a prophetic passion for justice, might more undebatably be equated with a radically pastoral passion for people.

To be clear, because of its radicalness, this kind of pastoral passion for people was no more based on sentimental piety than on sentimental love. Rather, this was an intense passion for people that is a truly faithful love of God inseparable from an honest and steadfast love of neighbor - whether individuals, committed couples, or a community of faith, all of whom need the kind of direction, guidance, comfort, strength, courage, and resilience inspired by the type of servant-leadership that is both inspirational and compelling because of its authenticity in both word and deed.  What we are talking about here is the kind of pastoral passion for people that, when necessary for the spiritual and physical well-being of one’s neighbor, one’s community, and, indeed, all children of God, resists all forms of oppression by an authoritarian state, disobeys the laws that require violation of one’s conscience, rejects the idolatrous claims to divine status by any leader or any form of political power, and always, in all situations and circumstances, responds in love to ‘the least of these’ - and does so despite the ever-present risk of imprisonment, torture, and death.

Again, perhaps Valentine did not fully represent what we today might, strictly speaking, consider to be a prophetic passion for justice.  But his radically pastoral passion for people is what led him to his passionate opposition to, and faithful resistance to, what we today also faithfully oppose and resist, but today seek to institutionally transform, based on a prophetic passion for justice:  the marginalization, dehumanization, oppression, impoverishment, persecution, violation, abuse, torture, and execution of any of God’s children, any of ‘the least of these,’ especially by a state that believes itself to be absolute, demands one’s ultimate loyalty, and claims divine sanction for its use and abuse of power.

So, even as many of us may participate in the rituals of exchanging cards , giving flowers, and special dinners that highlight the thrill of romance, and as many also rightly affirm and celebrate the deep love and mutual support provided to each other by committed couples, maybe we might also take a little time to carefully and prayerfully consider the ways in which we - as individuals, couples, groups, or communities - might live our lives and witness to our faith through a loving, faithful, and, when necessary, costly passion for people, for both their spiritual and physical well-being - indeed, the kind of passion that leads us to oppose and resist oppression and abuse of any kind, which is the radical kind of passion for people that motivates, and will always animate, any authentic passion for justice.  This, I submit to all Disciples of Christ as disciples of Christ, is the most faithful way to honor this martyred saint, and thereby celebrate the full meaning of what Valentine’s Day is all about.

Yes, ICE is out of control! But only because of the people who are in control of our government.

Standing with Workers on Labor Day

If you plan to participate in the Labor in the Pulpit campaign, please let us know by emailing us at:

dcpublicwitness@gmail.com

Additionally, if you would like assistance identifying a speaker for about 5 minutes during your Labor Day Sunday worship service, please reach out to us at:

dcpublicwitness@gmail.com

THE DISCIPLES CENTER for PUBLIC WITNESS

JOINS THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CAPITAL AREA

TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF

THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Join the Partnership To Build the Beloved Community

January 2025 EVENTS Honoring The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther KING, Jr.

Please contribute now to the Brian P. Adams Justice Education Fund

THE REV. Brian P. AdamS

The Brian P. Adams Justice Education Fund is a memorial fund that honors and celebrates the life and ministry of The Rev. Brian P. Adams:  his deep faith, his commitment to building community based on shared spiritual values, his ability to inspire others to work together for common goals, and his obvious and prophetic passion for justice.  All monies contributed to this Fund will be used to provide scholarships to help young adults participate in justice-oriented gatherings, events, and activities.

This special fund was established by the Disciples Center for Public Witness at the request of Brian’s many ecumenical and interfaith friends and colleagues in the DC area and with the permission and support of his parents.

The PPC:NCMR prayer session and press conference launched the Moral Monday Season of Prayer, a time for all people of faith, conscience, and good will to “call upon our nation to embody democracy, justice, and voting rights, and to urge that the race for the presidency - and all other positions of leadership that have accountability to the public - to be grounded in truth, love, and equity.”

Disciples at the event not pictured here are Bishop William Barber, II, co-chair of PPC; Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, director of religious outreach for PPC; and Dr. Bob Perry, retired minister, current regional elder, and co-chair of the board of the Disciples Center for Public Witness. Also not pictured here is our close friend and amazing colleague from the Washington Office of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Michael Neuroth.

Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, Dr. Robert Perry, Dr. Marcus Leathers, Rev. Stephanie Kendell, and Dr. Laird Thomason are all on the Board of the Disciples Center for Public Witness.

Be at the CENTER of it all - Partner with us at the Disciples CENTER for Public Public Witness - CLICK HERE

One Former CENTER/DC4PW Board Member Presents Special Award

to Another Former Board Member

DR. DELORES CARPENTER, Senior Pastor Emeritus at Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, DC, retired professor of theology at Howard Divinity School, and former member of the Disciples Center for Public Witness Board of Governors, received a special award for women demonstrating excellence in ministry in many ways for many years. Presenting the award to Dr. Carpenter was THE REV. SHEILA SPENCER, recent past President of Disciples Home Missions and former member of the Disciples Center for Public Witness Board of Governors. The Board and Advocacy Team of the Disciples Center for Public Witness congratulate Dr. Carpenter on receiving this well-deserved award, and thank Rev. Spencer for her incredible, impactful, and inclusive leadership at Disciples Home Missions, as well as her much-valued recent service on our Board of Governors. We are truly blessed to have had both of these amazing women serve on our Board and provide leadership to our unique justice ministry.

NATIONAL CONVOCATION 2024

From top left to right by row: Bishop William Barber, II, gives a message about the plight of low-wage workers and people living in poverty, and their potential for gaining much greater input into the public policy decisions that shape their lives; the International Civil Rights Museum built within the Woolworth’s store where student sit-ins led to the end of segregated lunch counters; Ken Brooker Langston (The Center/DC4PW), Jack Sullivan, Jr. (Ohio Council of Churches), and Hanna Broom (Poor People’s Campaign: National Call for Moral Revival), panelists at a well-attended workshop on ‘Faith & Politics,’ moderated by Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson; Dr. Cynthia Hale, Senior Pastor of Light of the World Christian Church in Decatur/Atlanta, GA, delivering a sermon that both challenged and inspired everyone at the worship service; strong preaching and singing by Rev. Delesslyn Kennebrew, the newly installed Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and the Associate General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada; Rev. Brenda Cardwell, Senior Pastor of Pilgrimage Christian Church in Suitland, MD, receiving a special award of recognition of excellence over many years and in many ways in ministry by women leaders; Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, a major leader of the Poor People’s Campaign: National Call to Moral Revival, opening the Biennial Session with a rousing sermon that was theologically, ethically, and spiritually challenging; and Dr. Delores Carpenter, Senior Pastor Emeritus of Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, DC, and retired professor of theology at Howard Divinity School in Washington, DC, saying thank you and making a few other comments after receiving the same prestigious award that was given to Rev. Brenda Cardwell.

Dr. Delores Carpenter and Dr. Cynthia Hale are former Board members of the Center/DC4PW, and Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson is the co-founder and President Emeritus of the Center/DC4PW.

NOTE: The final text of the National Convocation’s statement on Gaza will soon be available.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The first night of the 28th Biennial Session of the National Convocation opened Thursday night, July 11, with a rousing theologically, ethically, and spiritually challenging sermon by DC4PW President Emeritus Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson: ‘Makes Me Wanna Holler.’ The sermon was part of a moving worship service that included, among others, General Minister and President (and DC4PW Board Member) Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Rev. Delesslyn Kennebrew, Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister. Tomorrow (Friday, July 12) the Center/DC4PW will be partnering with DJAN (Disciples Center for Public Witness) to host a workshop on ‘FAITH & POLITICS: The 2024 Elections.’

For Disciples and others at this conference, this workshop will take place at 2.45 pm in Augusta B. Among the presenters are Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.,  and Dr. Ken Brooker Langston. (Dr. William Barber, III, may also be there). Please join us! 

This 4th of July and this election season, let’s ALL promise to protect, preserve, and promote freedom and democracy for ALL.

HAPPY FOURTH of JULY!

This Independence Day and this election year, let us rededicate ourselves to freedom and democracy and pray that what prevails within us is what Lincoln called 'our better angels,' not our demonically divisive, deceptive, and destructive tendencies.

The 60th anniversary of the civil rights act of 1964

Join us in celebrating, defending, and promoting civil rights

On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, a member of the Disciples of Christ, signed into law the Civil Rights Act, a law ending many of the more blatant forms of institutional racism taking place at that time in the United States. Political leaders were ready to support this law due to the strong justice activism and advocacy of the members of the Civil Rights Movement, a movement led by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today we must continue to be vigilant and get to work, especially in this election year, because many of these rights are being ignored, undermined, or just plain taken away. We cannot, must not, and with both active participation in the democratic process and the aid of our God, we will not let this continue to happen!

Disciples AT the center of it all

DISCIPLES AT the center of it all

Over the weekend, Disciples from all across the US joined with the CENTER to support the Assembly/March for/with Poor People and Low-Wage Workers in DC, and to listen to speakers from diverse groups, including our own Disciples leaders: Bishop Barber, Dr. Alvin O'Neal Jackson, and our GMP The Rev. Terri Hord Owens. It was a great event in which our leaders "did us proud."

POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN

Assembly/March in DC on Saturday, June 29th, at 10 am EST at 3rd and Pennsylvania NW

The Christian Church Capital Area held its annual event to celebrate the birthday of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s event included both a special Day of Service and an Awards Luncheon in which the 2025 Bridge Builder’s Award was given to two individuals who serve as an examples of leadership to all of us by the many faithful and effective ways in which they promote a passion for justice in both church & society and help build the Beloved Community envisioned by Dr. King.

The awardees this year were Dr. Robert (Bob) Perry and The Rev. Graylan Hagler. Dr. Perry is a retired minister who served as the senior pastor of a number of congregations in the Capital Area, served as interim regional minister in the Capital Area, and currently serves as both a regional elder in the Capital Area and the co-president of the Board of Governors of the Disciples Center for Public Witness. Rev. Hagler is a retired senior pastor at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, DC, as well as a civil rights leader, community organizer, and long-time justice advocate within the United Church of Christ. Rev. Hagler has dual standing with the Disciple of Christ and the United Church of Christ.

Pictured with Rev. Hagler on the right and Dr. Perry on the left is The Rev. Dr. Ken Brooker Langston, Executive Director and Team Leader at the Disciples Center for Public Witness.

NATIONAL DISCIPLES LEADERS HONOR Dr. KING

9 am EST: Bishop William Barber, II, preaches at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA: thekingcenter.org

THEN: Join GMP Terri Hord Owens, Bishop Barber, Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, and others for
2 pm EST: A Prophetic Listening Session at First Unitarian Church in Memphis, TN: breachrepairers.org
7 pm EST: An Interfaith Service & Moral Mass Meeting at Healing Cathedral Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN: breachrepairers.org

Please help us keep Brian’s memory alive, but also his vision and values.

Help us, in memory of Brian, continue to inspire new generations of young adults to pursue their own passion for justice, to combine this passion with a strong commitment to the life of the spirit, and to be filled with at least some of that boundless enthusiasm and contagious joy that Brian carried with him into the many different and amazing things that he did and was able to do in such a short time.

Brian’s life was much, much too short.  But in that short time, he had a very broad, deep, and positive impact on many, many other lives.  Help us continue, as best we can, to do justice to his life and ministry, just as his own life and ministry was so much about promoting justice for others.

HELP US HONOR BRIAN’S VISION, COMMITMENT, and PASSION for JUSTICE by MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE BRIAN P. ADAMS JUSTICE EDUCATION FUND TODAY > CLICK HERE.

PUBLIC WITNESS in DC

PRAYER, PRESS, and PROPHETIC PROCLAMATION

On Monday, July 29th, Disciples leaders and advocates from the DMV area joined with leaders and advocates from a diversity of faith traditions in an interfaith prayer session and a press conference in front of the Supreme Court (which is across the street from the US Capitol). The prayer session and press conference were organized by a team working with Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, executive director for religious outreach for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

Speakers included PPC co-chair Bishop William Barber, II, and a number of leaders and advocates from a variety of religious traditions, all of whom, despite their religious diversity, shared common faith-based values. The speakers called for greater civility in our deeply fractured and polarized political environment, and greater unity around policies that help low-wage workers and people living in poverty.