United Methodists urged to be part of Poor People’s Campaign rally March 2

On March 2, 10 a.m., United Methodists and other faith groups are gathering for a community South Carolina Statehouse rally with The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.

The rally is designed to speak out about the devastating effects of poverty.

The Statehouse is located at 1100 Gervais St., Columbia

The Rev. Amiri Hooker is organizing United Methodist efforts in South Carolina, and all churches are encouraged to gather and participate in the rally.

“As we stand on the precipice of change, the call to action has never been more urgent. The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is igniting a flame of hope across the nation, mobilizing religious leaders and faith communities to rise against the insidious grip of poverty, racism, ecological devastation, militarism and the dangerous allure of Christian nationalism,” Hooker said.

Hooker, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Lake City, has been involved with the South Carolina Poor People’s Campaign since 2017.

“In this current American climate of moral decay, our faith communities serve as beacons of hope and resilience. It is imperative that we unite our voices, amplify our message and mobilize our communities in South Carolina and beyond,” Hooker added. “Together, we will reclaim the narrative, raise our voices in solidarity, and register our votes as demands for justice. The time for complacency has passed. The time for action is now.”

Hooker noted there are more than 140 million poor and low-income people in the U.S. In South Carolina between 2018-2020, there were about 2 million poor and low-income people, 38.3 percent of the population.

For more information: [email protected] or 843-217-3020, or email [email protected]