The Reverend Doctor William J. Barber II electrified and inspired the crowd at UNI’s World Congress in Liverpool today.

Rev. Barber, the President of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, called for a worldwide moral revival—meaning that our global movement should organise for a planet without systemic poverty and racism, ecological devastation, and a war economy.

Using the Biblical metaphor of the stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone, Rev. Barber made a forceful case that “rejected” people—the poor, refugees, people facing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression, those who have been disenfranchised by a rigged economic political system—”make the best stones for building the best societies.”

“The poor should be at the centre of any nation’s agenda,” Rev. Barber said. “Jesus empowered the poor.”

In his native United States, Barber has helped put material and spiritual poverty at the forefront of the American consciousness. Along with his Poor People’s Campaign co-chair Rev. Liz Theoharris, he is leading a six-week season of civil disobedience that will culminate on an international day of action June 23.

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“Every nation will have to face the judgement of history and heaven,” Rev. Barber said. “And the question will be how did you take care of the poor, the refugees?”

The Reverend gave a challenge to the 2,500 trade union leaders in the hall. he disenfranchised and the rejected are suffering and they will come together, he said, and it is the job of the labour movement organise and help raise up and build a moral society that truly works for all.

“Together we must seek to redeem the hearts of the nations of the world!

“Together we can stop white supremacy and fascism!

“When we all get together and decide that we are not giving up on this world!

“When we all get together what a day of justice it will be throughout the whole world!

“It’s time!

“It’s time!

“It’s time!”