“Today I feel that God motivates me to use my whole being to combat by nonviolent means the ever-growing racial tension in the United States; at the same time the state directs that I shall do its will; which of these dictates can I follow—that of God or that of the state? Surely, I must at all times attempt to obey the law of the state. But when the will of God and the will of the state conflict, I am compelled to follow the will of God. If I cannot continue in my present vocation, I must resist.”
— Bayard Rustin, Bayard Rustin in His Own Words: "I Must Resist"

Annotation

To Local Board No. 63, Nov. 16, 1943, on his decision to resist the draft.

Tagged: Racial Tension, God's Will
Appears In: Quotes To Make You Smile
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Bayard Rustin in His Own Words: "I Must Resist" huffingtonpost.com

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