Hearts for Social Justice: Methodists host their 3rd Annual Prayer Walk at RI State House

“A prayer for all of our unsheltered friends across the State and that Governor McKee will have an open heart and mind to ensure every Rhode Islander has a place to call home.”

David Larson and Reverend Effie McAvoy

Hearts for Social Justice hosted their third annual Prayer Walk at the Rhode Island State House on New Year’s Day, starting at noon and concluding by 1 PM. United Methodists and supporters from around the State offered prayers of thanksgiving for the justice-centered work the Rhode Island General Assembly has done in the past and prayers of petition for the upcoming legislative cycle in 2025.

The event can be seen as the first social justice event of Rhode Island’s legislative season. I covered the first two Prayer Walks here and here. Here’s the video:

David Larson is the co-chair of Hearts for Social Justice, which he described as “social activism in the United Methodist Church here in Rhode Island.”

“Some of you are going to come to the State House this year to talk to legislators during legislative hearings. Some of you won’t. Some of you are going to write emails or letters or make calls to your legislative leaders. Some of you won’t. I know all of you will educate yourselves about things you’re passionate about,” said Larson. “We have poor, imprisoned. and unhoused people who we need to think about and advocate for. This year, all of you are going to educate yourselves about that. That is advocacy because you all have friends, colleagues, and relatives, and you're going to speak to them and share what you're learning. That's advocacy, so thank you in advance for that.”

Reverend Effie McAvoy led the Prayer Walk. “Gracious God, we gather today to seek your presence and guidance at the people’s house. Be with us in our time together. Hear our prayers and move in our land. Guide our hearts and thoughts so that you may direct the State of Rhode Island and the work of systemic justice for all its people.”

The two dozen people in attendance circumambulated the State House, pausing to pray for members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive Branch. Among the prayers offered by Reverend McAvoy and Larson, people were encouraged to offer prayers of their own. Here are a few:

“We're thankful for the Senators who introduced and promoted legislation to provide free school meals last year. Though it didn’t pass, we urge Senate leadership to work with the House and Executive Branch to provide meals to children in need.”

“We're thankful for the work done last year to pass the Safe Storage Act, and we pray that this year, legislation on the assault weapon ban will finally come out of committees and votes on the floor be taken.”

“We pray today for Senate President Ruggiero as he struggles with his health and hope that he sees the need for gun legislation this year and lets it come before the Senate.”

“We give thanks for Senator Mack and Senator Euer, both of whom have promoted environmental justice legislation in the Senate. We look forward to working with them this year to gain passage of one of those bills so that those around us, our fellow citizens who live close to industrial centers, have their voices heard.”

“We pray for progress in providing access to housing or emergency shelter for those in our midst who have no safe place to stay. Their stories are unique and heartbreaking. Help those in power hear our cry for housing and justice for all and take swift, real, and meaningful action this year, this month, this week, or even this day.”

“A prayer for all of our unsheltered friends across the State of Rhode Island and that in the coming year, Governor McKee will have an open heart and mind to ensure every Rhode Islander has a place to call home.”

“I’d like to ask Governor McKee and other State officials to consider the lives of our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters who are going to be under great stress over the coming years and to do everything we can on the State level to protect them.”

“I would like the members of the administration to remember that they are here to do work for the people, not to give business to their cronies, and to remember that they have the power to change folks’ lives. That’s something that they should think about every day.”

“I'd like them to try and figure out how to continue DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] Initiatives.”

“We're grateful for all the elected officials and volunteers who helped the State and municipalities in Rhode Island enjoy open, free, and safe elections this past year.”

“We pray for progress in removing barriers to mental health services and are grateful for the efforts of the House to remove some of those barriers.”

“We are grateful for the leadership in the House last year to try to bolster RIPTA and provide safe public transportation for those in need. We pray for additional measures this year.

“I would like the representatives for our state to realize that they have power. Just as the State of Texas has the power to take away rights, [in Rhode Island] they have the power to maintain the rights of all the people - of the unhoused, immigrants, and folks on Medicaid. We hope they realize how much power they have this year and use it wherever possible.”

“Grateful to our Representatives who voted, two out of three, to authorize millions of dollars for housing initiatives, including $80 million for affordable housing. The people of Rhode Island have spoken. They say that affordable housing is a worthy investment. We pray that those in power leverage these funds swiftly and economically. We pray that our communities be receptive to new housing for their brothers and sisters. And again, we pray that until such time as added low-income housing is available for all that, our executive and legislative branches provide emergency housing to our neighbors in need.”

Reverend Effie McAvoy then offered a closing prayer: “God, put us to doing good in your world. Even if it means speaking hard truth to power. Put us to doing good in the world, even if it means stepping back so that others may shine. Put us to doing good in the world, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort so that others may achieve much-needed satisfaction. Put us to doing good so that your people may prosper and the work at hand may be completed.

“Amen.”