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[Back to index of May 2008 articles] Honoring Thurgood Marshall in Our Diocese
Washington Window
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As you may remember, our diocese is proposing that the Episcopal Church include civil rights leader and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall on its liturgical calendar. By resolution of the 2006 Diocesan Convention, we recommended that May 17, the anniversary of Marshall’s victory in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education school desegregation case be observed as his feast day. The 2006 General Convention referred the resolution to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, which, we hope, will bring it forward at the 2009 General Convention, next summer in Anaheim. One important criterion that the Commission considers is whether there is widespread local observance of a candidate’s proposed feast day. So to strengthen our presentation at the 2009 General Convention and, more importantly, to hold up before our people the Christian witness of Justice Marshall, please plan to observe Saturday May 17 or Sunday May 18 as Thurgood Marshall Day in your parish. You can also demonstrate your support for Justice Marshall’s cause by attending the 10 a.m. Eucharist on May 18 at St. Augustine’s Church in southwest Washington. St. Augustine’s is the justice’s old parish, and his widow Cecilia (Cissy) is still a parishioner. Civil rights leader Roger Wilkins will preach. That evening, St. Alban’s Church in northwest Washington will hold a special commemorative Eucharist in Justice Marshall’s honor at 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Canon Eugene Sutton, bishop-elect of the Diocese of Maryland will preach, and music director Sonya Sutton will lead a special music offering. You can learn more about Justice Marshall at edow.org In Christ’s Peace Power and Love, Liturgical resources for the feast of Thurgood Marshall, May 17 Propers suggested by the Diocese of Washington. Music suggested by students at Seabury-Western Seminary and St. Augustine’s Church, Washington, D. C. CollectEternal and Ever-Gracious God, you blessed your servant Thurgood with special gifts of grace and courage to understand and speak the truth as it has been revealed to us by Jesus Christ. Grant that by his example we may also know you and seek to realize that we are all your children, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, whom you sent to teach us to love one another; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. Suggested scripture readings Amos 5:10-15, 21-24 Suggested MusicSong of Praise Sequence Offertory Hymn Memorial Acclamation Sung to the tune of We Shall Overcome: Communion Hymn Processional Hymn (and Marshall’s personal favorite) [Back to index of May 2008 articles]
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