Jonathan Daniels & Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage

We are looking for a group of up to 10 teens to travel to Selma, Alabama for a pilgrimage exploring faith, justice, and the history of the Civil Rights Movement from August 12-15, 2026. Together we’ll visit important civil rights landmarks and take part in the annual Jonathan Daniels & the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage. This isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience. We’ll walk through places where history happened, hear stories of courageous faith, and talk honestly about race, reconciliation, and what it means to live out our faith today. Along the way, you’ll connect with other teens, reflect together, and see how ordinary people—grounded in faith—helped change the world.

Cost of this opportunity is only $100 per teen (includes travel, food, and lodging). Interes

The diocese has organized a summer pilgrimage for our youth this summer. From August 12-15, young people are invited alongside other pilgrims to travel to Hayneville, Alabama to walk in the footsteps of Jonathan Daniels, the Episcopal seminarian who answered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call to stand for civil rights. Daniels was murdered in 1965 while protecting Ruby Sales, a young Black activist.

After attending the pilgrimage last year, the Rev. Kelly Sundberg Seaman, Canon for Formation and Vocation, was inspired to give New Hampshire youth the opportunity to experience the powerful witness of our own beloved saint. 

 

“Youth ministry is at its best,” the Rev. George Swenson, Youth Formation Coordinator, says, “When it moves beyond classrooms and into lived experiences of faith.” Pilgrimages like help young people build relationships, ask hard questions, and see how the Gospel calls us into the world. They return home inspired to serve, lead, and deepen their involvement in their local congregations. 

 

Want to help? We invite you to sponsor a pilgrim. Your donation, either as a church or an individual, helps cover travel, lodging, meals, and other costs that make this trip happen so that financial barriers do not prevent a young person from participating. Donations can be made HERE or by sending a check made out to the Episcopal Diocese of NH with “Jonathan Daniels” in the memo line. 

 

If you would like to learn more about the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage, please contact Rev. George Swenson at gswenson@nhepicopal.org.

 

General Info: Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Youth and Young Adult Commission Statement

To support and encourage the ministry of youth, college students and young adults in the Diocese of New Hampshire, by nurturing, reaching out and welcoming young people from “inside” and “outside” of our churches, as well as, being active in and around the Diocese and their local communities, by:

  • Provide resources and opportunities for guidance, leadership, and discernment through programs and events in the diocese;

  • Developing new ministries, resources, and support for new programs in our parishes;

  • Create opportunities for youth & young adults to gather throughout the Diocese.

Questions? Contact the Rev. George Swenson.