No Struggle Limited to One Place

Last updated on: December 19, 2012 at 8:41 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

One of the great gifts of our 21st Century Freedom Ride this Advent was partnership with local youth empowerment organizations from Durham. SFC’s neighborhood-based approach to building beloved community led us to start Walltown Aspiring Youth (the WAY), connecting people who care with kids who are often described as “disconnected.” What we’ve learned from this work is that connection goes both ways–kids need better connections to resources, but our communities also need better connections to the next generation if... Read more

Bearing Crosses and Fighting for Causes

Last updated on: December 17, 2012 at 9:39 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

School for Conversion hosts experiential formation experiences in the God Movement because we believe in the constant call to be born again. As Vincent Harding reminded our 21st Century Freedom Ride, Dr. King’s constant theme over the last months of his life was, “America, You Must Be Born Again.” Our turning as a nation depends, of course, on the thousands of little turnings–the everyday awakenings that open each of us up to the possibility of a whole new world. I’m... Read more

At Home in Beloved Community

Last updated on: December 14, 2012 at 11:08 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

In many ways, the peculiar community of our 21st Century Freedom Ride grew out of the beloved community that Leah and I were adopted into when we went to Baghdad with Christian Peacemaker Teams in 2003. There we met Jim Douglass, who invited us to learn from the Catholic Worker’s long tradition of hospitality houses. It was Jim who invited us to come to Birmingham and bring some of the friends we’ve made over this past decade at Rutba House.... Read more

Precious Lord: A Poet’s Cry

Last updated on: December 12, 2012 at 11:37 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

I’ve heard a recording of Thomas Dorsey telling the story of how, after his wife’s death during childbirth, he could not even find words to pray. Some friends who were keeping vigil with him said, “Just start.” So he said, “Lord…” But he couldn’t find anything more to say. One of his friends said, “Say, ‘Precious Lord!'” And Dorsey says he immediately began to sing the words of his famous hymn, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” As the 21st... Read more

The Road to Freedom

Last updated on: December 12, 2012 at 8:06 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

After twenty years of working among the poorest of the poor in the slums of mega cities, Phileena Heuertz has learned the importance of contemplation in a world of action. Together with her husband, Chris Heuertz, she has launched Gravity: A Center for Contemplative Activism. It was a joy to have Phileena and Chris partner with School for Conversion for our 21st Century Freedom Ride. By Phileena Heuertz “I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom.” Our... Read more

A Balm for America’s Hidden Wound

Last updated on: December 11, 2012 at 8:33 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

Many thanks to those of you who prayed for, supported, and joined on 21st Century Freedom Ride from Durham to Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama. I look forward to telling parts of the story here, but I’m also eager to introduce other riders who have their own story to tell. Below is a reflection from Emily Hunt, a Native American sister from North Carolina. By Emily Hunt In his book The Hidden Wound, Wendell Berry laments the destruction that racism has... Read more

Undocubus: No Papers, No Fear

Last updated on: December 5, 2012 at 8:02 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

As we get ready to head out on this 21st Century Freedom Ride, we’re glad to have a couple of folks from this past summer’s Undocubus join us. I’ve been learning the story from David Ramirez, a young man from Chicago who made the ride from Phoenix, AZ to the Democratic National Conventional in Charlotte, NC this past summer. Below is a video that was produced by colorlines.com to share the story of their “freedom ride.” In 1961, the original... Read more

My Advent Journey

Last updated on: December 3, 2012 at 2:27 pm By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

Fifty years ago, when America’s Freedom Movement was challenging segregation in the South, black and white young people got on buses and rode South together to join the struggle. Their being together was itself a challenge to the system. Half a century later, a diverse group of young people are about to get on the bus together again and travel from Durham, NC, to Birmingham, AL. I’m delighted to be part of this journey. School for Conversion is honored... Read more

Somethings Old, Somethings New

Last updated on: November 30, 2012 at 11:33 am By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

When we started our Common Prayer project here several years ago, I was encouraged by Jesus’ comment that the kingdom is like a householder who brings out of the treasure chest somethings old and somethings new. If we were raiding the treasures of ancient liturgy for the sake of singing God’s eternal song in there here and now, at least we had a mandate from Jesus. It didn’t occur to me at the time that the present might not only... Read more

Book Give-Away Winners: From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart

Last updated on: October 30, 2012 at 12:44 pm By Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

I wrote on last Friday about my friend Chris Haw and his great new book, From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart. You sent in some great questions, and we picked three winners. (Congratulations to Katie Valencia, Nick Liao, and Olivia. You copies are on the way!) Here are the winning questions, with replies from Chris. Where do you find relevance in the Catholic Church’s message today for young Christians, especially considering the Catholic Church’s move to be what is seen... Read more