The Simplicity Class recently hosted Rev. John Collett for a three-part series titled The Promise of America, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The sessions focused on the Declaration’s enduring words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Adopted by the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration proclaimed that Americans would no longer be governed from afar by a top-down monarchy. Instead, they set out to establish a democratic republic unlike any the world had seen—a government of, by, and for the people.
Yet not all Americans believed in human equality, and many never would. The American experiment has been marked by both hope and dissent, as well as the long struggle to fulfill the promise of equality. This 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to recommit ourselves to that sacred principle in an imperfect world. That is why America remains, in the eyes of many, the world’s last best hope.
If you missed the series or would like to watch it again, here are the links to recordings of all three sessions:
Promise of America, session 1 (6/14/26)
https://youtu.be/kIOk4lUvZdc
Promise of America, session 2 (6/21/26)
https://youtu.be/8en-O6R0UTk
Promise of America, session 3 (6/28/26)
https://youtu.be/mmmbCQFCpFM