Honoring Jonathan Daniels: 60 Years of Witness, Faith, and Justice

The Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast recently co-sponsored the annual Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage with the Diocese of Alabama on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in Hayneville, AL. This year marked the 60th anniversary of Daniels' martyrdom. The guest preacher was the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church.

The annual event was a resounding success, with many people attending from all around the state and beyond. The kick off started with the pilgrimage march going around the town of Hayneville and ended at the courthouse where Daniels' killer was acquitted of his murder. The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry officiated the Holy Eucharist service and delivered the sermon inside the courthouse. Included in the service were different leaders talking about Jonathan Daniels and other people who were martyred back in 1965. Bishop Curry proclaimed in his sermon, "We remember the martyrs and Jonathan Daniels … what they stood for in our lives and to help change this world." Racism was a problematic and pervasive issue back in the 1960s, as it is now. We as a society need to recognize and strive for equality in all people, and following the commandment our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)

At the end of the service, both Bishop Michael Curry and Alabama's diocesan bishop, Glenda Curry, stressed the importance of getting involved in your community and being an advocate for civil rights. As Curry said during a press conference ahead of the Alabama pilgrimage, "No question, [civil rights] is a long-distance run – it's a marathon."

The Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation holds many events throughout the year, stressing the importance of Racial justice. The September calendar includes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, and a Racial Reconciliation Sacred Conversations Workshop was held on Saturday, September 6, at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Florida. All events throughout the year are open to the public. You can find the remaining events for the year and more information about the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation on our webpage: www.diocgc.org/racial-justice-and-reconciliation.

The Rev. Christian Rabone

Rector

St. Francis Episcopal Church

Gulf Breeze, Florida