It marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Daniels, a 26-year-old Episcopal seminarian who answered the call of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help register African-American voters in Alabama, only to be shot and killed months later, on August 20, 1965, while shielding 16-year-old Ruby Sales from the shotgun fired by a sheriff's deputy.

Daniels was declared "a martyr and witness to the Gospel" and in 1994 his name was added to the Episcopal Church calendar of saints and martyrs, to be remembered on August 14 each year.

Many have gathered in Hayneville on the Saturday near the date of Daniel's death to remember him and all the Martyrs of Alabama who gave their lives in the struggle for civil rights.

This year's event will also include a youth pilgrimage of peace made up of 12 youth from Palestine who have lived their entire lives in the Bethlehem refugee camp. These young people, who are committed to peace building in the midst of overwhelming oppression, will live in community with youth and youth leaders from Episcopal parishes across the United States.

During their week-long stay, they will work in housing rehabilitation, engage in peace building education experiences, meet with veterans of the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., and worship in the way of Taizé.

 For further information contact the Rev. Bill King at 205.715.2060 ext 317 or email bking@dioala.org. 

Note: The following title is available from the Episcopal Book/Resource Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; 800.334.7626; 212.716.6118 or http://www.episcopalbookstore.org/  

To Read: TIMELESS PRAYERS FOR PEACE: Voices together from around the world compiled by Geoffrey Duncan (Cleveland, Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 2003; 319 pages; $18.) 

From the publisher: The prayers and readings in this collection echo a heart cry that reaches around the world and across time. Focusing on a theme of perennial and universal concern, they resonate deeply in hearts and minds today as tensions within communities and between nations daily fill our news reports. As the clinical technology of modern weapons seems to increase the
appetite for war and distances us from the personal devastation and fear they inflict, they are a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Writers from many countries join with voices from throughout history and workers for peace in today's world to express a longing for the harmony and stability that are the birthright of every human being, created in God's image.