Brian G. Murphy serves as the Program Director for Soulforce NYC. Originally from Maryland, he went to the University of Southern California where he studied film and religion. Brian is also the owner of Creative Reduction, a web, graphic, and video production company. He maintains a personal blog at allpointsinbetween.blogspot.com

To Be Or Not To Be

by Brian G. Murphy

Dec 06, 2008 11:16 PM

A key component of Soulforce is studying the life and works of Gandhi, King Jr., and other non-violent thinkers and actors. Gandhi famously advised his followers—and the world—to be the change that we wish to see. My friend Shane Claiborne writes that often the saints and world-changers end up relegated to stained glass windows and coffee table books (after they’re executed or assassinated, of course). That we want to venerate them safely from a distance. “Be the change” has a nice ring to it, feels good, and makes for a catchy movie tagline. But what does it mean? Do I really want to be the change? The answer changes everything. If I don’t, that’s fine. I can live a life of detached isolation both from my own problems and the problems around me. There is something to be said for creating a comfortable life and enjoying it with loved ones. I won’t fault anyone for deciding against being the change. I ask myself almost daily, is this the life that I want?

But if I decide to be the change I wish to see in the world—if I truly mean it—then everything must change.

Get non-violence training before Saturday’s rally!

by Brian G. Murphy

Nov 13, 2008 11:02 AM

As you may have heard, a grassroots movement called Join The Impact has sprung up in the days since the election to organize rallies in every state in the union on Saturday November 15 for the cause of LGBT equality. A gathering in New York City is scheduled for 1:30 PM at City Hall. While this is not a SFNYC organized event, I will be there and I hope to see you there as well! We recognize that marriage is not a city issue, however city halls are traditional gathering places for communities, and it is fitting for us to gather there as others across the country do the same. We are not protesting the city but rather standing up and being counted—that we are passionate about the cause of justice for LGBTQ people, that discrimination in all forms is unbefitting of our society, that gay relationships should be supported equally with straight ones, and also to remind ourselves that the journey for LGBT equality does not begin nor end with marriage.

Non-Violence Training at 11:30

Welcome To blog:justce!

by Brian G. Murphy

Nov 01, 2008 10:51 AM

Welcome!

blog:justice is the blogging home of SFNYC.  We’ll use this space as a place to communicate and conspire together, a showcase for the work we’re doing, and a resource pool for all to draw upon.  Check back regularly and add your voice every chance you get!