I first met Phil at a retreat in 1982 (!!!) when both of us became "full members" of the California-Nevada UMC Annual Conference. I was just ordained, but Phil was transferring from Tennessee, where he and his brother James Lawson had been struggling with their local regional leadership due to their commitment to the issues you have described, especially their collaboration with the Black Panthers. Over the years, Phil was a faithful, humble and visionary pastor whose passion for justice was accompanied by the routine responsibilities of being a local church leader, and our paths crossed a number of times over the years. I regret that his extraordinary abilities were not always appreciated by our leadership, but am grateful for his constant and deep commitment to his calling and the inspiration he offered to many.
Sandhya, when I was active in SoulForce, Rev. Lawson often led us in nonviolent action training. His presence alone was reassuring. I felt like I knew what people experienced in the Dalai Lama or Gandhi: love in the flesh. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful tribute to a great soul. Thank you, Sandhya. I think you know that Dr. Vincent Harding was one of my cherished friends and mentors. He was also quick to offer correction when people referred to the "Civil Rights Movement," pointing out that it was a much larger project for spiritual liberation. He referenced the mission statement of the SCLC, "to redeem the soul of America." For him "The Freedom Movement" was the abbreviated name, but the full name was "The Black-led Movement for the Expansion of Democracy in America." <3
Rev. Phil Lawson was an elder in the UMC, a denomination where the Bishop appoints pastors to congregations. I don’t remember the dates, but for quite a number of years, in two different appointments, the Bishop appointed Rev. Lawson (with his permission) to churches that were vehemently opposed to having an African American pastor. This was hard hard going for him and for his wife Joanne for the years he served those two congregations. The fight for racial justice continues long after the civil rights movement.
I first met Phil at a retreat in 1982 (!!!) when both of us became "full members" of the California-Nevada UMC Annual Conference. I was just ordained, but Phil was transferring from Tennessee, where he and his brother James Lawson had been struggling with their local regional leadership due to their commitment to the issues you have described, especially their collaboration with the Black Panthers. Over the years, Phil was a faithful, humble and visionary pastor whose passion for justice was accompanied by the routine responsibilities of being a local church leader, and our paths crossed a number of times over the years. I regret that his extraordinary abilities were not always appreciated by our leadership, but am grateful for his constant and deep commitment to his calling and the inspiration he offered to many.
I love hearing about this connection. Thanks, Naomi.
Sandhya, when I was active in SoulForce, Rev. Lawson often led us in nonviolent action training. His presence alone was reassuring. I felt like I knew what people experienced in the Dalai Lama or Gandhi: love in the flesh. Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing group. Thanks for sharing this, Steve.
Thank you for this.
💗
Beautiful tribute to a great soul. Thank you, Sandhya. I think you know that Dr. Vincent Harding was one of my cherished friends and mentors. He was also quick to offer correction when people referred to the "Civil Rights Movement," pointing out that it was a much larger project for spiritual liberation. He referenced the mission statement of the SCLC, "to redeem the soul of America." For him "The Freedom Movement" was the abbreviated name, but the full name was "The Black-led Movement for the Expansion of Democracy in America." <3
Thanks so much for sharing this, Liza! I really appreciate it.
Rev. Phil Lawson was an elder in the UMC, a denomination where the Bishop appoints pastors to congregations. I don’t remember the dates, but for quite a number of years, in two different appointments, the Bishop appointed Rev. Lawson (with his permission) to churches that were vehemently opposed to having an African American pastor. This was hard hard going for him and for his wife Joanne for the years he served those two congregations. The fight for racial justice continues long after the civil rights movement.
I can’t imagine how hard that would have been for both of them.
Thank you For taking time to shine
light on this amazing mentor!!! It’s the people who ensoul the way of belovedness who keep me going!
So well said. 💗