Bethlehem Churches Unite for MLK Interfaith Celebration

Children pressed buttons scattered across the floor of Moravian University's Foy Hall, each one sharing the story of a different civil rights hero.

The interactive "wax museum" was just one part of an interfaith celebration bringing together Christians, Jewish leaders, and community members in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Kids from Second Baptist Church had spent weeks studying their parts, preparing to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in a way that brought history into the present.

Pastor Paul Patrick of Second Baptist Church helped organize the event. "Unity is everything, especially in our community, especially in the climate that we're in and society right now," he said.

The celebration featured singing, speakers from multiple faith traditions, and a powerful reminder that King's message reached far beyond any single denomination. Pastor Janel Rice of Central Moravian Church noted that King touched not only the Christian Church and Civil Rights Movement, but interfaith movements around the world.

For Rabbi Michael Singer, watching the next generation engage with this history brought particular joy. He said seeing young people recognize their place in both past struggles and future possibilities gave him hope.

The event deliberately brought together voices from different religious backgrounds. This reflected King's own vision of unity across all dividing lines.

The Ripple Effect

When faith communities set aside differences to celebrate shared values, they model the very unity they're honoring. The children learning about civil rights heroes aren't just memorizing history. They're building relationships across faith traditions that can last a lifetime.

Pastor Patrick's interfaith approach shows younger generations that working together strengthens everyone involved. These kids will remember standing side by side with peers from different backgrounds, all celebrating the same heroes.

The celebration matters beyond one day because it plants seeds of understanding. When communities practice unity rather than just talk about it, they create pathways for future collaboration on issues that matter.

Pastor Patrick hopes everyone who attended takes away one clear message: "For us to come together in unity."

#