We watched “Briars in the Cotton Patch” today at Pilgrimage. I’ve been talking, preaching, and writing about Clarence Jordan and Koinonia for many weeks now. I think the folks who saw the movie today now have a much better understanding of just how radical Clarence’s vision was.

“Briars..” documents very well the history of Koinonia, especially the violent protests against it in the 50s and 60s. You see some footage of Clarence and hear his voice in some audio clips. There are interviews with many of the residents of Koinonia–including “Koinonia kids,” all grown up. There are even interviews with people who opposed Koinonia Farm at the time.

My favorite part is when Americus resident, Frank Myers says, “When I asked those folks at Koinonia to leave, I thought I was doing the right thing. It really seemed like the right thing to do. But I see now how wrong I was. I didn’t have any guts back then.” Wow.

I’ve now seen “Briars” at least four times. I’ll watch it again with anyone who wants to see it!