Why We March by Kelley Barton

The culture of City Church is one that promotes standing up for the marginalized against the powerful. It is one of many things I love about this faith community. I hear this value woven into messages on Sunday and in the action of the community.

I have observed CCLB in action to support a variety of areas, including:

LGBTQ+ • Women • Immigrant • Minorities • Voting • End to Wars • Social Justice

Sometimes that action is donations, letter writing, volunteering or marching. Other churches I have attended in the past did most of those action items, except they did not march.

Last Sunday a group from City Church marched in the Long Beach Gay Pride Parade. Some were also on the side of the Parade, holding signs about God’s Love in front of a group holding signs about what God Hates.

Why does City Church and its people choose to March? Shouldn’t we stay in our “faith” lane and leave the protesting to others?

I think the answer to that question is the example of Jesus, who was a Radical in his own time. Marching to stand up for change that is needed, to make life better for others, falls right in step with the actions and teaching of Jesus, in my view. Would you agree that the life of Jesus reflected the following?

Radical Inclusivity: Jesus spent time with those the religious leaders rejected. Luke 15:1-2

Upending the Law: Jesus taught that mercy and compassion are to replace man-made legalism. Matthew 23:23

Unconditional Love : Rather than an eye for an eye, Jesus espoused we are to love our enemy. Matthew 5:44

Rejecting Wealth and Power: Jesus drove the animals and money changers out of the temple. John 2:14-16

So we march. We stand up. We speak out. Because we love and serve a radical God who lead by example in caring for the weak against the strong.