The official observance is Monday, January 21, but in honor of his birthday an interfaith group decided to do something new in Augusta to honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Progressive Religious Coalition brought several faiths into one house of worship for a common cause.

“His message is as relevant today as the day we lost him,” Rev. Terence Dicks said.

More than 200 people gathered at Greene Street Presbyterian Church, from all walks of life and faiths to focus on why Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message still matter.

“We forget that Dr. King practiced an interfaith kind of struggle regardless of denomination. They just recently found a sermon he gave in one of the synagogues he'd given in the 60's,” Dicks said.

“Peace, no discrimination, equality, no racism, every single statement Martin Luther King was saying is no different than what our prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was saying,” Imam Majed Sabke said.

“Maybe one day soon we will be able to say with full honesty, 'One nation under God with liberty and justice for all,' Rabbi Robert Klensin said during the service

With messages about unity, understanding and justice, the Progressive Religious Coalition hopes more events like this will continue to bring the community together.

“It's saying it doesn't matter what race, what religion you are, we are all living here, let's learn to how to get along and how to love each other, show compassion, reach out,” Rev. Sheryl Padgett said.

“It was a wonderful meld here. I thought we united in a wonderful support of love and not simply tolerance and mutual respect, but love. ,” Rev. Sid Gates said.

A love the coalition hopes will build unity and a stronger force for positive change.

In honor of Dr. King, the Progressive Religious Coalition is looking for more input from the public on ways to improve justice and peace in the community.

They are in the process of putting together a study group. There’s an informational meeting Thursday, January 31st at 7pm at Greene Street Presbyterian Church.

You can also contact Rev. Valerie Lyson Humphreys at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3131 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30909. vhumphreys@covenantaugusta.org.

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