Christian vs secular answers: A tale of two marches in Columbia

Last Saturday there were two marches in Columbia.

All some groups ever do is march, and it
just gets worse. 

One was a protest against guns, with references to Taoism, a civil rights anthem and support from Columbia’s Unitarian Universalists.

The second march included at least 200 Christians, praying for the healing of our culture that has become sicker as the influence of God is forced from the public square.

The 350-word anti-gun story in The State newspaper, was by-lined by Sarah Ellis. The 200-word report on the Christians bore no byline, but there were photos by Ellis.

The anti-gun protesters, who parrot the same old rhetoric, has seen violent crime become more prevalent in many of the communities from which the anti-gun activists hail.

During the anti-gun march, about 100 marched through downtown Columbia, chanting and pleading for “gun sense” and peace with members of Unitarian Universalist congregation.

The Peace Walk, sponsored by Columbia’s Faith Coalition on Gun Violence, brought together members of the interfaith community as well as law enforcement and civil rights activists.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook, joined the crowd in singing the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome” before walking to the State House.

Among the marchers were the usual array of coalitions, including one called: People United to Take Back Our Community. One group, according to The State travels around to support movements against gun violence and “injustice.”

Mostly these marchers advocate for gun laws and “reaching out to and understanding troubled youth and strengthening unity within communities to promote peace.”

These have been marching for decades, but solutions are elusive, despite their shrieks. 

The second march - The Stand rally - featured 200 people and pastors and congregations from Christian denominations from around the state.

Speaking was Dr. Kevin Baird of Legacy Church in Charleston. He is the director of the S.C. Pastors Alliance, which organized the rally. “We as pastors are here to say that we will not be silent. We will not be forced into some corner or closet.”

On the State House lawn, the marchers sang Christian hymns as pastors prayed for an end to societal ills, including abortion and the redefining of Christian marriage. They also prayed against the assault on religious liberties and persecution of their free speech.

Baird said the American culture is at a “tipping point.” And he is correct.

“Our sins are numerous, and no political party is exempt,” Baird said. “We intend to not only defend our values, but we intend to recover and restore our values.”
No public officials, like the police chief stood with Baird, according to The State's report. 

But maybe the Anti-Gun March should incorporate some of the values of The Christian March, and perhaps they will quit losing ground year after year.