March 26, 2026
CESAR CHAVEZ CELEBRATION CANCELED
Renowned Texas Civil Rights Attorney and Priest Jim Harrington to Speak on History of Farmworker and Civil Movements in Texas on April 12
St. David’s Episcopal Church will no longer move forward with its scheduled Cesar Chavez celebration. In its place, the church will host a special service and guest lecture focused on the history of the farmworker and civil rights movements in Texas.
“After prayerful consideration and thoughtful input from our Hispanic ministry leadership, we have decided to cancel our annual Cesar Chavez celebration previously set for April 12,” said the Rev. Hope Tinsley Benko, locum tenens at St. David’s. “Like so many, members of our church are deeply disturbed by recent allegations of abuse involving Cesar Chavez. St. David’s maintains a steadfast commitment to standing against all forms of abuse. We continue to pray for those impacted by these heartbreaking revelations, especially the survivor-victims.”
While the specific celebration of Chavez has ended, St. David’s has invited the Rev. James "Jim" C. Harrington from St. James Episcopal Church in Austin to serve as guest preacher and speaker on April 12 to honor the broader movement for justice.
The Rev. Harrington is a renowned Texas civil rights attorney, author, and Episcopal priest who founded the Texas Civil Rights Project. Throughout his distinguished career, Harrington has advocated for farmworkers, individuals with disabilities, and racial justice. He will discuss the vital history of the farmworker movement in Texas and his recently released memoir, The Texas Civil Rights Project: How We Built a Social Justice Movement (2025).
“Although we found it necessary to cancel the Cesar Chavez celebration, we are grateful the Rev. Harrington will join us,” said Diane Mazuca, a leader of the Hispanic Outreach Ministry and Education group at St. David’s. “He speaks eloquently on the invaluable sacrifices made within the labor movement. We hope his message inspires a renewed commitment to advocating for the human dignity, rights, and safety of all laborers.”
Event Schedule – April 12
9 a.m.: Holy Eucharist with guest preacher the Rev. James "Jim" C. Harrington
10 a.m.: Breakfast and keynote presentation by the Rev. Harrington
All are welcome to attend.
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