If you haven't already heard, the theme for this year's Leaderhip Event is "Speaking Truth to Power: Women, Faith and Politics."

I've been thinking a lot lately about the phrase "speak truth to power," and I'm wondering what the phrase means, if anything, to those of you who keep up with this blog.

The phrase has meant different things to me during different periods of my life, but at this point in time the word that sticks out to me the most is "power." Before becoming the Associate for NNPCW I worked as a community organizer, and power is a key concept in organizing. Basically, in order to speak truth to power, you have to have power. And if you don't have power, then you have to build power. And how do you do that? By coming together with other people--many other people--and acting collectively.

We often hear that we are to speak truth to power in order to give voice to the voiceless. I believe, however, that we need to consider the ways in which the so-called voiceless might come together in large enough numbers so as to use their own voices and be heard.

What would this look like in your community? On your campus? Are you ever one from among the "voiceless"?

Throughout history, the so-called voiceless have routinely risen up on their own behalf to speak for themselves. Think of Cesar Chaves and Delores Huerta of the United Farm Workers. Think of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Think of the many women who have worked (and continue to work) for various women's rights.

So what does it mean to speak truth to power? Can we--should we--speak for others? How might we need to speak for ourselves? And how might we help to build the power necessary to make this possible?

Hi Noelle,
That’s an interesting question, and in a very definite way I believe the Christian who belongs to Jesus Christ must speak truth to power. Sometimes that means standing up for those who suffering domestic abuse, or have become victims in the sex-slave markets of the world. Sometimes that means standing up for the unborn child or Christians suffering persecution in other countries like North Korea or China or some of the Islamic nations.

The important thing is knowing that since you belong to Jesus Christ he is with you as you speak truth to power. But I am not at all sure that means we must always have a group with us. I am thinking here of Bonhoeffer who although at first was with other theologians like Karl Barth and his students at the Confessing Seminary was at last alone in a prison. He died very much alone except of course Jesus Christ was with him.

Of course we must always try to do what we do within the body of Christ, with other Christians, I think that is so important.

I meant to add those verses where Paul speaks of ministering in weakness-- and how Jesus reminded him that his grace was sufficient. But also Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit being their power.
"And he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.'Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

I appreciate both your Blog, Noelle, and your comments, Viola. I think it is important to look for the opportunities to speak with a group because often times that is when our voice is most heard. But still there are those times when we either disagree with the group or need to be opposing that group and make a stand on our own and make sure our voice is hears. I think it is true we do not always need to have a group with up, but having a group or being one of a group strengthens your voice. As long it does not weaken or suppress your true voice then being in and supported by a group is a good means to be heard.

I think it is also important to be well informed and always be learning so that when your voice is heard and you make a stand that you really know what, how, and to whom you are speaking.

We intend to be a group at NNPCW's event "Speaking Truth to Power", as that group will meet with staff at PC(USA)'s Washington D.C. office and will be briefed on issues that the church has been researching, educating members, and lobbying congress. We will then take this knowledge along with what we will learn and discuss in our plenaries and workshops and be able to act as groups and individuals to influence our government.

Hailee Barnes
NNPCW CoCo member
2007 Leadership Event Planning Team Member