wfn.org | United Methodists Respond to Fires

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS" by SUSAN PEEK on Aug. 11, 1991 at 13:58 Eastern,
about FULL TEXT RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (3021 notes).

Note 3017 by UMNS on June 18, 1996 at 16:33 Eastern (3255 characters).

SEARCH: fires, SEJ BMCR, church, racism, organization, burning

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CONTACT: Linda Green                        303(10-21-31-71){3017}
         Nashville, Tenn                             June 18, 1996

                 by United Methodist News Service

Southeast Black Methodists call on Christian 
community to help stop church burnings

     The Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) organization of Black
Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) is calling on the Christian
community to help bring a halt to the burning of African-American
churches in the South.
     In a June 14 statement, the regional unit of BMCR, an
official caucus of the United Methodist Church, also condemned the
"racist, terrorist acts" of burning African-American churches.
     Calling for elimination of "senseless acts of prejudice and
racism," organization leaders said it is "imperative that the
Christian community be the catalyst in bringing about a change in
the attitudes of those who seek to destroy church property as a
means of venting their frustrations."  
     The caucus is calling for pastors of all races to take a
stand against the fires.
      "How can we as Christians sit back and see the destruction
caused by racism and be comfortable in doing nothing?" asked the
statement.
     According to Carleathea Benson, Clemson, S.C., president of
the jurisdictional caucus, burning more than 25 African-American
churches in the Southeast is a reminder of the 1963 bombing of the
16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.
     BMCR's leaders said they believe the fires are part of "a
conspiracy" that is "clearly meant to terrorize African-American
people." 
     Though no one has been killed in these recent fires, Benson
asked "If our churches are not safe, what is?" 
     The SEJ BMCR is joining other religious groups to offer
support to "displaced congregations" through prayers and financial
contributions.
     It also is urging religious leaders to join forces to develop
an effective plan to strengthen congregations and communities
against race-related situations as society moves toward a new
century. 
     "If we are to succeed," the BMCR statement said, "we must
join together to offer healing and hope to those who are in
despair."
     United Methodist churches and agencies already have responded
to the fires with help for their Christian sisters and brothers.
In addition to prayers and support, churches have collected
offerings, offered facilities, sent workteams and passed
resolutions. 
     The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has
established "Black Church Burnings", Advance No. 982700-1, a fund
to allow others to respond to the fires. The agency also is
preparing liturgy for the June 29-30 "Sabbath of Support," the
brainchild of the South Carolina Christian Action Council, that
calls all churches to use their weekend worship services to
proclaim their unity.
                               # # #
     

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