Letter from a Birmingham Jail | An Abridged Litany

Reader: I am not afraid of the word "tension."…
there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth…
the kind of tension in society that will help men to rise from the dark depths of prejudice
and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.  

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.
The urge for freedom will eventually come (as we begin) moving with a sense of cosmic urgency toward the promised land of racial justice 

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: I gradually gained a bit of satisfaction from being considered an extremist.
Was not Jesus an extremist in love?
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you."
Was not Amos an extremist for justice?
"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Reader: So the question is not whether we will be extremist,
but what kind of extremists we will be.
Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love?
Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice,
or will we be extremists for the cause of justice? 

All: Let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.