Last week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) warmly welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks in Decatur, Georgia, as they paused during their significant 2,300-mile walk from Texas to Washington, D.C.. This journey aims to promote peace and unity across the nation.
During the monks’ visit, Senator Warnock delivered a heartfelt address that praised their commitment to translating faith into action. “These monks understand, as did Georgia’s greatest son, Martin Luther King, Jr., that it’s not simply enough to pray for peace with our lips,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of actively engaging in the pursuit of peace: “We must pray with our legs. We have to put our faith into action. We must pray with our legs, our hands, and our feet.”
Honoring Resilience Amid Challenges
In his remarks, Senator Warnock took a moment to acknowledge the struggles faced by the monks during their journey. He specifically recognized Venerable Phra-Ajarnh Maha Dam Phommasan, a monk from Georgia who suffered a serious accident earlier in the trek. After being struck by a car, he was forced to undergo an amputation. “Those of us who live in Georgia and in Decatur in the Atlanta metropolitan area know about the tradition that puts your body in the struggle,” Warnock said. “While we are excited by their arrival, let us not forget that this journey has not been easy.”
Senator Warnock expressed his hope for Phommasan’s recovery, stating, “He is a son of Georgia, and we pray for his continual healing and peace.” The Senator’s acknowledgment highlights the resilience of the monks and the challenges they face as they advocate for peace through their journey.
Since 2005, Warnock has served as Senior Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached. His leadership role makes him the youngest pastor to hold this position at the church. Warnock has consistently advocated for a ministry that extends beyond the church’s walls, actively supporting community organization and peaceful protest as forms of prayer.
The monks’ walk is not just a physical journey; it symbolizes a profound commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding in a time of division. Their mission resonates with the ideals championed by figures like King, who believed in the power of collective action for social change. As they continue their journey toward the nation’s capital, their message of peace and unity is more relevant than ever.
As this walk progresses, the involvement of prominent figures like Senator Warnock underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering peace and understanding in communities across the United States.
