U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to Decatur, Georgia, last week as part of their remarkable 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington, D.C. The monks are undertaking this walk to advocate for peace and unity across the nation. During their visit, Senator Warnock delivered heartfelt remarks, praising the monks for their commitment to translating faith into action.
In his address, Senator Warnock emphasized the importance of active engagement in the pursuit of peace. He quoted the late Martin Luther King, Jr., co-pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Warnock serves as Senior Pastor. “These monks understand, as did Georgia’s greatest son, that it’s not simply enough to pray for peace with our lips,” Warnock stated. “We must pray with our legs. We have to put our faith into action.”
Honoring Resilience and Community
Senator Warnock took a moment to acknowledge one of the monks, Venerable Phra-Ajarnh Maha Dam Phommasan, a resident of Georgia who recently faced a significant challenge. Earlier in their journey, he was involved in an accident that required the amputation of his leg. “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 noted. “While we are excited by their arrival, let us not forget that this journey has not been easy. They are all in, and we are especially keeping Venerable Phra-Ajarnh Maha Dam Phommasan in our prayers while he recovers at home in Snellville.”
Senator Warnock has been a leading figure in advocating for social justice and community engagement. Since 2005, he has served as the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, the very pulpit from which Dr. King inspired a generation. Warnock believes that his ministry extends beyond the church, advocating for activism as a form of prayer.
This event in Decatur reflects a broader movement, as the monks continue their journey to Washington, D.C., seeking to inspire conversations about peace in communities across the country. Through their walk, they hope to foster understanding and solidarity among diverse groups.
The monks’ visit and Senator Warnock’s support underscore a shared commitment to peace and activism, resonating with the teachings of Dr. King and highlighting the importance of community resilience in the face of adversity.
