Rev. Graylan Hagler

Reverend Graylan Scott Hagler, March 1, 1954 - Feb. 17, 2026, spent 30 years as Senior Minister of Washington's Plymouth Congregational UCC before retiring in 2022. Over those decades, he became known as a larger‑than‑life pastor whose ministry blended spiritual leadership, social activism and deep community care. He co‑chaired the D.C. Poor People’s Campaign and the Black Homeownership Strike Task Force, placing him at the center of local movements to confront the racial wealth gap and systemic inequity. Rev. Hagler was educated in Baltimore Public Schools, Hampton Institute (University), Oberlin College, and the Chicago Theological Seminary.

LATEST ARTICLES BY Rev. Graylan Hagler

Opinion

When criticizing the world, the U.S. is pointing at itself
February 5, 2026 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
Rev. Graylan Scott Hagler says the American ruling class has plenty of moral outrage and condemns brutality abroad—all while practicing it at home.
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Opinion

We need more political atheists
October 28, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
The Christians of the first century were called atheists and considered subversives because they did not salute the emperor but instead pushed toward a higher order. So must we.
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Opinion

The First Amendment as a racist weapon
September 29, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
Jimmy Kimmel got his job back, but what about the uncounted others who were fired to advance MAGA’s white supremacist agenda?
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Opinion

American history is Black history – We will not be erased
September 24, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
The Trump administration has ordered the removal of information and depictions of the era of slavery at national parks and historic sites.
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Opinion

Racial fuse: Trump wants to start a fire with D.C. military takeover
August 27, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
We all know that an uprising is precisely what the white supremacist MAGA regime wants so that it can spread its occupation to more cities.
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Opinion

Religious nationalism—in all its forms—deserves condemnation
June 27, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
All forms of nationalism are inherently evil because they strip non-conforming groups of their dignity, security, and freedom of expression.
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Opinion

Addressing the betrayal of the Black community and the need for unity against fascism
April 25, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
Significant numbers in the Black community feel betrayed by so-called allies who ignored the warnings, but how do we move forward to fight for the rights of all?
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Opinion

Continue to fight even when you are weary
April 11, 2025 By Rev. Graylan Hagler
There is a racist, hate-filled, untruthful, and vindictive blanket covering this government. We cannot lose our focus, let ourselves become weary or tired, or stop paying attention.
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