IN THEORY:

This Monday, in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s national holiday, President-elect Barack Obama has called on Americans to participate in a call to service to commemorate the occasion. Do you and your congregation have any volunteerism planned for the day? And how else do you think we can honor Dr. King’s legacy this year?

Every year our church sets aside the Sunday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor his legacy, to take his teachings into our heart. But even on ordinary days, his influence is never far from my heart.

The first time I remember his name being used was when the San Diego City Council wanted to change the name of Market Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard. At the time I did not understand the fervor, subtle racism, cultural prejudice and blatant oppression. It was just a street name change. Martin Luther King Jr. was for me a historical figure who was a great speaker and who died before his time.

Things changed in seminary. God led me to a King quotation that changed my view of the world. I heard in his words, as many had before me, something divine infused into his human words. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” The sentence is simple but elegant and deep. His words provided challenge and hope. His words became a cornerstone of my ministry and my faith walk.

God has made us all out of the same stuff. We are all God’s mirror image. We are all interconnected. The damage we do to others, we are doing to ourselves. The harm we do others harms us. Even the injustice and oppression we allow others to do ultimately destroys us. When we abuse, oppress and torment others, our own souls are diminished. Our hope is that when we challenge injustice and dare to live compassionately, we see God in each other and others see God in us.

Pastor Mark Wiley

Mesa Verde United Methodist Church

Costa Mesa

During a recent trip through Pakistan and to India, my wife, Sheila, and I visited one of the most fascinating museums we have ever seen, honoring Mahatma Gandhi. We were moved and inspired by this wonderful citizen of the world. In the last century, there have been many people whose labors overcame intense opposition and changed the very world in which we now live. Gandhi sacrificed his life in the opening of doors for his people, and introduced the concept of nonviolence to achieve his goals. He and his followers softened the hearts and laws of their oppressors.

Another innovator took his cue from Gandhi and changed the face of America. He, too, sacrificed his life in the process. We are now preparing to celebrate his birth: Martin Luther King Jr.

My faith community supports the activities of others who are sponsoring special programs to honor the person who spearheaded the changes that have opened the minds and attitudes of the American people, and the world. The world community looks on as we celebrate King’s birthday, followed by the inauguration of the first black president in America’s history! These are momentous days.

At 5 p.m. Sunday at University Synagogue, 3400 Michaelson Drive, Irvine, a choral observance of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated. Sheila and I hope to see you there. At 10 a.m. Monday we will participate with people of many faiths who will attend another significant program at the Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana, 4300 Westminster Ave. In a time of trauma and discouragement, reflecting on the accomplishments of this great American can and will lift our spirits.

Tom Thorkelson

Director of Interfaith Relations for Orange County

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I love the concept of honoring Martin Luther King Jr. by living out his spirit dedicating ourselves to do something to contribute to humanity!

I am embarrassed to admit that our congregation does not have anything planned to do as a community working together, and I lament that we did not formerly plan something. As we have for several years now, we will lift up the great Baptist preacher Sunday morning and pay tribute to him by remembering his words, his dreams and his hope for our nation.

As Christian brothers and sisters who strive to live out Jesus’ teachings as he did, we find his message alive today inspiring us to work toward a realm where all people are truly equal.

I’m trying to decide from a list of options on Moveon.org — from the simplicity of giving blood, to local beach clean-up, to volunteering with the Anti-Defamation League. My hope is that this type of thinking beyond ourselves will set a precedent for the year, the presidency and our personal outlook on our role in society.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

Costa Mesa

Dr. King was an outstanding American. He represented hope in the face of adversity, and showed great determination to achieve justice. His years of struggle and suffering reaped many benefits for others, and paved the way for an African American to win election to the highest office of this land. King shares the credit for the historic moment we will witness Jan. 20; for that, we owe him a great deal of gratitude.

However, racial inequality is only one of the many ills our nation has been grappling with. Another vitally important issue is the way our society treats the many special-needs children. Not too many years ago, a child born with a genetic disease such as Down’s syndrome or autism was relegated to a sanatorium for life; these institutions were often synonymous with neglect and mistreatment. Seldom was an effort made to understand them or to enhance their quality of life.

We’ve come a long way in that regard, but there is so much more that needs to be done. To that end, Chabad has undertaken to follow in the trailblazing footsteps of King and to redouble our efforts to reach the families and children with special needs. Our “Friendship Circle” pairs teen volunteers with special-needs children, offering a broad array of programs, enriching all involved.

We will endeavor this year to grow its enrollment by at least 50%.

We will reach out to many more special children so that we can enhance our understanding of their challenges — and bring more joy to their lives.

Rabbi Reuven Mintz

Chabad Jewish Center

The Friendship Circle