MLK memorial faulted for leaving God absent

This month the new Martin Luther King memorial site was officially inaugurated with an opening ceremony featuring President Barack Obama.    The new memorial was numerous Martin Luther King quotes has been noted for the glaring absence of the word “God”, says Alveda Celeste King was is niece to Martin Luther King, Jr. and daughter of another civil rights leader Rev. A.D. William King, Sr.    The same memorial was critized earlier for changing Martin Luther King’s words to be more succinct.  Below is a press release on the debate.

ATLANTA, — Dr. Alveda C. King, Founder of King for America commented today on the newly dedicated MLK Memorial Site. The MLK quotes on the 450 foot wall surrounding the Mountain of Despair and Stone of Hope have received scrutiny and praises from visitors. “This missed opportunity to carve GOD’s Name on the wall still presents another opportunity. Many people don’t know that Uncle M. L. was a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason that they have never heard of his devotion to Jesus Christ and his message of God’s agape love. I wasn’t consulted on the design of the site, still I see this as a teaching moment to encourage people to read King’s sermons.”

During a pre-dedication tour, Alveda asked why the name of God wasn’t inscribed in some of the quotes. She was told that the effort was to be global and universal in scope and that the hope was that people would depart the site wanting to know more about her uncle. “In the Old Testament, God carved His Word on stones. Today, His Word is inscribed in the human heart. While this as a politically correct versus spiritually aware type of issue, I als see this as an opportunity to witness the love of God and to invite people to read Uncle M. L.’s sermons and learn of his ministry.”

During the dedication activities, Mrs. Naomi King, widow of Rev. A. D. King placed a creation video, a copy of The Beloved Community letter and Alveda’s book HOW CAN THE DREAM SURVIVE in the MLK Time Capsule. Alveda was there to support her mother.

The Priests for Life Pastoral Associate was also reflective on President Obama’s commemorative speech on October 16, 2011 when the MLK Memorial Park Site was dedicated. “For an unforgettable moment in human history, President Obama laid aside the political gauntlet to simply remember a man who dedicated his life in service to humanity. I really appreciated the gesture, and President Obama is in my prayers.”

King who recently announced that she prefers “policy over politics” went on to note that her political views are different from the President’s in that she is pro-life and supports procreative marriage, while President Obama supports programs that seem to favor anti-life efforts, with Planned Parenthood being at the top of the list.


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