Letter from Birmingham Jail.

Take the time to follow the link to the full text of this powerful, persuasive letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King. His actions were dynamic, reasoned and powerful... at a time when our country needed to hear the hard truth. Sometimes I am frustrated to see the oblique directions his followers have subverted his message to. Other times I am inspired by someone obviously touched by his life's work. As it is with most things we occasionally must go back to the start and begin anew if we are to reach the intended destination. We should invest in a refreshed viewing, lend a new ear to the intent. Do you think we would listen now?

... Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? l am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists....

http://abacus.bates.edu/admin/offices/dos/mlk/letter.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_from_Birmingham_Jail