A Legacy of Advocacy
Rev. A. Roy Medley, the former leader of the American Baptist Churches (ABCUSA), has recently been recognized with the prestigious Edwin T. Dahlberg Award, honoring his unwavering commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting racial reconciliation, and championing religious liberty.
This acknowledgment comes during a reflective period, just following the passing of beloved former awardee Jimmy Carter.
The award presentation is scheduled to align closely with the birth anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump for a second term.
Throughout his extensive four-decade ministry in southern New Jersey, which concluded with his retirement in 2016, Medley has tirelessly advocated for marginalized communities.
His work exemplifies the urgent need for leaders who can bridge the divides between different faiths and offer support to the oppressed, irrespective of their religious backgrounds.
Medley’s efforts have transcended denominational lines, addressing the struggles of Christians and Rohingya Muslims alike, who endure hardship under the oppressive regimes in Myanmar.
Interfaith Dialogue and Community Building
In 2010, Medley played a crucial role in co-founding the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, an initiative aimed at combating Islamophobia across the United States.
This effort not only addresses issues within his own denomination but also tackles the larger, distressing problem of faith-based discrimination affecting countless individuals.
The historical ties between American Baptists and Myanmar are rooted in early 19th-century missionary activities by Adoniram and Ann Judson.
Although their endeavors led to the establishment of important educational and medical institutions, they faced criticism for imposing Western ideologies, which some believe marginalized local cultures.
Medley has acknowledged this complex history and actively seeks to forge solidarity with those suffering in Myanmar today.
Medley’s impact reaches beyond his own faith community.
He is respected within interfaith circles, including by Muslim scholars, and is recognized for his advocacy of religious liberty and mutual respect.
His peers commend his dedication to interreligious efforts, particularly in addressing the prejudice that Muslims experience both globally and within the U.S.
Empathy and Social Justice
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Medley felt a profound calling to nurture relationships between American Baptists and the Muslim community.
Amid rising anti-Muslim sentiments in America, he championed understanding and acceptance while standing firm against hateful rhetoric that some Christian leaders espoused during that turbulent time.
Through the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, Medley has emphasized that faith should inspire solidarity with Muslims, urging individuals to respond with compassion and love.
Nina Fernando, the executive director of the campaign, highlighted Medley’s exceptional ability to connect with various faith groups, noting that leaders like him embody the call to genuinely love one’s neighbor.
In a significant turn in 2016, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, a respected Islamic scholar, invited Medley to discuss the Marrakesh Declaration.
This pivotal document, grounded in Quranic principles, actively supports the rights of religious minorities in predominantly Muslim nations.
Medley has also worked to create platforms for conversations between Baptists and Muslims, hosting conferences that promote understanding and relationship-building.
Attendees have reported that these dialogues have enriched their awareness of interfaith experiences and underscored the vital importance of community engagement.
Rev. Chakravarty Zadda, an Indian American Baptist minister and proponent of religious rights, views Medley as a key mentor.
Zadda stresses the importance of honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in advocating for the marginalized and amplifying the voices of the oppressed, especially in light of today’s increasing challenges.
Given the backdrop of divisive policies like the “Muslim ban” and the resurgence of Christian nationalism, the need for meaningful interfaith solidarity has never been more evident. Rev. Roy Medley serves as a powerful example of how to foster such commitments, guiding us toward a future built on cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect among different faith traditions.
Source: Religionnews
