Do Justly, Love mercy, Walk Humbly
True spirituality goes beyond contemplation; it demands action. If your spiritual practice does not inspire tangible acts of caring and service, it lacks substance. Spiritual teachers have always been involved in critiquing leaders and practicing civil disobedience, demonstrating that there is no such thing as being non-political. We are called to practice a politics that is both contemplative and compassionate.
The "Barmen Today: A Contemporary Contemplative Declaration" reminds us of the critical importance of this moment in history. Like the original Barmen Declaration of 1934, which opposed Christians' support of the Nazi regime, we are again at a crossroads. Will we remain silent in the face of injustice, or will we speak truth to power?
Throughout history, people of goodwill have raised their voices for the common good, despite the risks. Whether it’s Gandhi’s Salt March, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, or the efforts of the Children’s Defense Fund and the Equal Justice Initiative, these actions show that we must speak out against injustice, even at great personal risk.
You are invited to stand with nonviolent resistance to forces that threaten our common good. Together, we speak out against oppression and call for love, compassion, the healing of divisions, human dignity, and the care of creation. We commit to nonviolently rejecting and resisting the marginalization of any person based on color, class, race, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. We oppose words, policies, and actions that exclude, denigrate, and promote nationalism. We reject and resist anything that endangers the health and resilience of our planet.
Join this commitment to a just, compassionate, and inclusive world.
In the stillness, a voice rises Not a whisper, but a clear call Action and contemplation intertwine A spiritual practice that demands more Concrete caring, tangible service The essence of true faith No separation of spirit and politics For even prophets challenged power At the crossroads of history We stand, eyes wide open Silence or truth, the choice is ours Our voices, our strength united From salt marches to jail cells Letters penned, organizations formed Brave souls risking all To speak for the voiceless Now we join this lineage Of compassionate resistance Standing firm against oppression In all its insidious forms Our commitment unwavering To dignity, equality, and justice For every human, every creature Every corner of our shared world In this moment, we choose To act, to speak, to love A quiet rebellion of the spirit That changes the world