National Prayer Day Opinion: The Moral Courage to Protest with “Prayer”

By Rev. Lester E. Smith

Many Americans and Christians were shocked by the arrest of Bishop William J. Barber, II and others as they peacefully entered the Capitol rotunda and prayed. It’s reported that they started silently and then openly prayed, asking for God to intervene in the affairs of our government, due to the government's assault on the poor, the elderly, and the marginalized.

NC-based pastor and anti-poverty activist, the Rev. William Barber, and two others were arrested while praying in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday (April 28).

This group did not block the entrance or exits from the rotunda, they did not impede the movement of anyone visiting the rotunda, but they were informed that they were not allowed to protest in this area even though it was peaceful. While Capitol police

performed their duty, their action stands in stark contrast to what was called a peaceful protest from the January 6 mob. They stormed the Capitol and maintained it for several hours, and they were called peaceful visitors by many in Congress and our current President. Yes, they were arrested, later; they were convicted, and then later pardoned by our current President.

So, what was Bishop Barber and the others showing us? They showed us that it takes moral courage to speak out and stand up for principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character and actions demonstrated by a person or a government.

Whether or not that Bishop Barber and others should have stopped praying when told to stop praying and to move along, is not so much the question, or that if this was the best place to present your protest concerning the government’s action, and the betrayal of congress to protect its constituents, but rather why did Bishop Barber and others chose this location, at this time and this method?

First, I believe because this is where injustices are being practiced and they went to face our leaders with faith, courage and a willingness to speak the truth to those we gave power to legislate effectively on our behalf and to protect our democracy.

Secondly, I believe they took this action, like what Dr. King wrote about concerning direction action. Direct action is also non-violent action used to create tension toencourage congress to act justly for its people and it was an attempt to encourage Congress to confront the atrocities being committed by the passing of executive orders that are harmful and detrimental to the American people.

Finally, I believe Dr. Barber and others are showing us that there is a difference between themselves and the congress making laws and rules that govern us. As Dr. King wrote concerning civil disobedience, “In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as our congress and our government is doing (my addition). That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, loving, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty imprisonment or monetary fine to arouse the conscience of the community/congress over its injustice actions and complicity in dismantling of our government, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”

Men and women should always Pray! If we want the truth concerning this event, we should seek the answer from Bishop Barber and those who were arrested with him. If we become convinced that they are men and women of truth, who loves humanity and are principled loving Americans, then consider showing your respect for America and request your congressional representatives to represent us faithfully and guard our democracy and our way of life. If not, you may later ponder the question, why were you silent, when the flames and ambers of democracy were flickering and you did not blow upon them in prayer to keep them burning but watched in silence as the flame went out.

Rev. Lester E. Smith

Associate Minister

Union Baptist Church