“God of the Movements and Martyrs” is a powerful hymn that echoes the struggles, sacrifices, and victories of those who have stood for justice, peace, and equity throughout history. Commissioned by the North Carolina Council of Churches in 2019 in honor of our 85th anniversary in 2020, this hymn was born from a desire to capture the heart of social movements and amplify the voices of those advocating for change.
Written by David LaMotte a long-time Council advocate and consultant on peace and justice issues for the Council, the lyrics were composed months before the world’s attention turned to the twin pandemics of Covid-19 and systemic racism. Despite this, the hymn has proven to resonate deeply with these turbulent times, calling people to action in the ongoing pursuit of justice through broad and inclusive community.
The hymn was crafted to work across various musical styles and contexts. To bring this vision to life, five additional musical interpretations were commissioned, each with its own unique sound and arrangement. These versions, alongside the original composition, are available with lead sheets, audio, video, and scores at the Convergence Music Project.
Today, “God of the Movements and Martyrs” continues to inspire, reminding us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and the hope that is always within reach. Its message endures, calling us to persevere in faith and action, even as we face new challenges and injustices.