I hereby pledge myself – my person and body – to the
nonviolent movement. Therefore, I will keep the
following ten commandments:
(The Rev. James Lawson, Fellowship of Reconciliations)
1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. Remember always that the nonviolent seeks justice
and reconciliation, not victory.
3. Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all people
might be free.
5. Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all people
might be free.
6. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules
of courtesy.
7. Seek to perform regular service for others and for
the world.
8. Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. Follow the directions of the movement and the
captain on a demonstration. (M.L. King, Jr.,
Why We Can’t Wait, used by Dr. King in the
Civil Rights Movement)
