By Ms. Sylvia C. Blake, 7th Episcopal District
There are moments in the life of a nation—and in the journey of faith—when we are called not merely to move forward, but to look back with intention. At the Faith & Politics Institute (FPI), there is a sacred understanding that progress is most meaningful when it is rooted in remembrance, shared values, and a collective commitment to truth. Scripture reminds us, “Remember the days of old; consider the years long past; ask your father, and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7). It is in this spirit that FPI continues the transformative work of congressional pilgrimages.
Since 1998, inspired by the courage and conviction of the late Congressman John Lewis, these pilgrimages have served as both sacred journeys and civic classrooms. Retracing the historic steps of “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965, across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, participants are reminded of the cost of justice and the enduring call to moral leadership. On that day, more than 600 peaceful marchers, led by Lewis, faced brutality in their pursuit of voting rights—a sobering testament to the words of Scripture: “But let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24).
Over the years, these pilgrimages have expanded beyond Selma to include both domestic and international journeys—tracing immigration pathways in New York, and exploring reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland and South Africa. Each experience gathers Members of Congress, their families, Presidents, corporate leaders, and students into spaces where history speaks and wisdom is shared. As Proverbs teaches us, “Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14).
In this significant year, as America commemorates its 250th Anniversary, the 2026 Faith & Politics Institute pilgrimage to South Carolina stands as a profound moment of reflection and renewal. Under the bipartisan leadership of Representative James Clyburn and Senator Tim Scott, participants are invited into a journey that bridges history and hope—challenging all to strive toward what our Constitution calls “a more perfect Union.”
Charleston, South Carolina, rich with both triumph and tragedy, offers a sacred landscape for this exploration. From the halls of the International African American Museum to the historic grounds of Fort Sumter, and most profoundly within the sanctuary of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, participants encountered stories that both inspire and convict. These are places where history is not distant but deeply present—calling each visitor to a deeper understanding.
This year, Mother Emanuel was honored to serve as the house of worship for this sacred pilgrimage. Despite an influx of attendees, the Mother Emanuel Church Family extended a gracious and spirit-filled welcome to all, embodying the words of Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” The worship experience was, as always, rich with the unmistakable presence of God—an encounter uniquely shaped by the faith, resilience, and cultural depth of the Lowcountry.
The Reverend Dr. Eric S. C. Manning delivered a stirring and heart-piercing message entitled, “The Love That Will Not Let Us Go,” rooted in Romans 5:8: “But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” It was a timely reminder that love—divine, enduring, and redemptive—is the force that sustains us through both personal trials and collective struggles.
Before departing, members of Congress participated in a solemn and sacred act—laying a floral wreath at the construction site of the Memorial Court for the Mother Emanuel Nine. In that sacred space, memory met mission. The lives of the Emanuel Nine Martyrs and Survivors continue to echo a call to justice, unity, and unwavering faith. As Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
As we reflect on this pilgrimage, may we be reminded that history is not merely something we study—it is something we steward. And as we walk forward, may we do so with hearts anchored in faith, hands committed to justice, and spirits united in the hope of a brighter future for all.
Photo Credit: Mr. Joseph Campbell, Church Photographer
Reprinted with permission.
