WCC tribute to Rosa Louise McCauley Parks
WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia wrote the following letter to US churches on 27 October 2005 on the death of Rosa Louise McCauley Parks :
"Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
The passing away of Rosa Louise McCauley Parks is a challenging reminder to us as churches that resistance to racism, in all its forms, is a responsibility that we continue to carry. I have read recently that Rosa Parks’ belief in God and her religious convictions were at the core of everything she did. In her autobiography she wrote: 'I'd like for [readers] to know that I had a very spiritual background and that I believe in church and my faith and that has helped to give me the strength and courage to live as I did.'
As we mourn the passing of this legendary woman, we are inspired by her life of faith that led to her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. That “small and courageous act” on her part of not giving up her seat to a white passenger on a city bus started a protest that was felt throughout the United States and in fact the whole world as it, without a doubt, redirected the course of history. It is my conviction that this act contributed significantly to the stirring of the waters of resistance to racial segregation in South Africa and in other parts of the world.
Jesus said: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Lk 11:28). In refusing to obey a dehumanizing, racist rule, Rosa Parks affirmed both her loyalty to God and her own dignity as a person created in God’s image and loved by God. It was this sense of costly obedience that strengthened her and so many others in their struggle.
My prayer as we honour this great soul is that we will continue to be relentless in the fight against racism in all its forms in church and society. I strongly reaffirm the World Council of Churches’ commitment to continue addressing the unfinished agenda in the struggle to overcome racism. We express our solidarity with the churches in the US who have been in the forefront of the struggle.
With all good wishes and prayers,
Yours Sincerely
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
