To accept injustice or segregation passively is to say to the oppressor that his actions are morally right.

I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown.

We had no alternative except that of preparing for direct action, whereby we would present our very bodies as a means of laying our case before the conscience of the local and national community.

My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure.

The contemporary church is so often a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. It is so often the arch supporter of the status quo.

the time is always right to do the right thing

Will we act, or will we sit on our hands? I don't want to show up on that day only to hear God say, "This nation—where is My church? There's still too much sin, too much covenant with Baal, too much pornography, too much perversion, too much materialism, greed, pride, and arrogance. They have missed their hour of grace; only judgment awaits.

Theism, however, teaches that not only is there a moral universe but there is an absolute standard by which all moral judgments are measured. God himself-his character of goodness (holiness and love)-is the standard.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

This follows his comment on much time spent in prison for freedom speeches and preaching. "I always try to do a little converting when I'm in Jail.

The time is always right to do the right thing.

If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power.