On Sunday, January 14, 1990, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation representing the Sikh community of the Washington Metropolitan area participated in an interfaith service commemorating the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King’s 61st birth anniversary. The service was held at the National Shrine and was hosted by Roman Catholic community.

The interfaith service is an annual metropolitan wide event cosponsored by the DC Support Group. The Interfaith conference of Metropolitan Washington (and its six faith communities including the Sikhs) and the D.C. and Federal Holiday Commissions.

The estimated crowds of 1,500 representing the Protestant, Roman Catholic Mormon, Jewish, Islamic and Sikh communities were challenged by Bishop Brooking, the featured preacher, in his depiction of Dr. King as a dreamer who dared to share his dream with non-dreamers. He assured the audience the Dr. King’s dream is alive, well and happy,” and described the significant work yet to be done to implement it. He emphasized the importance of parental and pastoral responsibility for intervention in drug crisis.

Bishop Brookins was joined by D.C Mayor Marion Barley who spoke about his memories of Dr. King. Also at the podium were many local religious leaders, including Sarda Harminder Singh Jassal, President of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation. The lofty dome and high arches of cathedral resounded with spiritual recitation by 6 different religious and Sikhs were one of them. Harminder S. Jassal recited the hymn Maru Sohale and Sorath Asthpadi composed by Guru Asjan describing the qualities of the Godly person and freedom. Another significant feature of this years’ service was the reading of the Litancy of Commemoration by youngsters of six different faiths in which Sanjeet Singh represented the Sikh community.

Harminder Singh Jassal said that, “equality and brotherhood which Martin Luther King preached are fundamental to the Sikh religion so it was a time for the Sikh community to demonstrate that we truly believe in these great ideals.” We, the Sikhs in America can act as a strong force in this struggle for freedom of faith, human rights, dignity and equality.”

Amrit Kaur, secretary of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation said that “Martin Luther fought for the civil and human rights of all people, as Sikhs and as citizens of this great land, we subscribe to his Principles. So, it was important for us to participate in this event to honor a great man.”

Dr. Rajwant Singh, director of GGSF and member of planning committee for the service said that, “this is an exceptional worship service for Dr. King. We are especially pleased with the turnout and showing of diversity for the service. We were also pleased with the participation of younger generation of all faiths especially the Sikh youth because they are the ones who have to carry these ideals further.”

Guru Gobind Singh Foundation is a member of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington and represents the Sikh faith in May forums. It has joined another international interfaith organization called Temple of Understanding recently. Its representatives are also part of the planning committee of North America Interfaith Network which is holding a major interfaith event in Seattle Washington this summer. For further information call (730) 8020114 or (301) 384-3576.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 9, 1990