About One New Humanity

In May 2020, in response to the death of George Floyd while in police custody, several people of different backgrounds and cultures had protested against racial injustice in downtown Charleston. The protests were not completely peaceful, while many damaged and looted businesses around the city.

Later that month, on May 30, two ministers of different backgrounds and denominations, but one faith, came together with their congregations to seek peace and unity in the city of Charleston. It was there they preached a “sermon duet” with a message centered around racial reconciliation. After that service, the two ministers along with their congregations, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, and many other guests gathered at each of the "Four Corners of Law" to pray for peace and unity for the City of Charleston.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, they held a forum at St. Michael’s Church to discuss the topic of unity and ask God for direction. Having an honest discussion about what can be done in Charleston to heal the racial divide, there was evidence of a deep cry for peace and unity, but how?

One specific question was: “What can be done in Charleston to address the significance of reconciliation among the African American and white communities?” It was at that time, Rev. Anthony B. Thompson shared his vision that had been birthed from an event he participated in at Stone Mountain, Ga. That vision focused on finding UNITY through REPENTANCE, FORGIVENESS and RACIAL RECONCILIATION.

Without hesitation, they believed and agreed that the Holy Spirit of God can do the same thing to bring racial reconciliation and peace to Charleston, while many asked how they could be part of making it happen.

Following the forum, the Reverends Bill Hyer, David Booman, Anthony B. Thompson prayed about this for a couple of weeks, and began meeting together to seek God’s will for Charleston, prior to making any plans. It was during these meetings, they agreed on the name “One New Humanity Charleston” based on Ephesians 2:15-16:

“…by abolishing in HIS flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the TWO into ONE NEW MAN, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to GOD through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.”

The Prayer Procession and Solemn Assembly, inspired by a national prayer march in Washington, D.C., would then become the launching point for the organization, as it will bring together thousands of people from diverse backgrounds to pray for healing, peace and unity through repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Charleston may have a shameful past, but it has also seen revival before. We believe our best days are ahead. While some seek to divide, we will unite. We will answer hatred with love and compassion. We work toward reconciliation, not retribution. Forgiveness is the greatest gift we have ever received, and it is how the wounds of our history will be healed. lf we humble ourselves and repent, then ask God for forgiveness, He will heal our land and bring revival again!