wfn.org | TITLE: AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS FOR JUNE 13, 1996

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American Baptist News Service_____________________
Office of Communication / American Baptist Churches USA
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320
E-mail: RICH_SCHRAMM.PARTI@ECUNET.ORG
Richard W. Schramm, Director
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________

June 13, 1996

WEISS URGES AMERICAN BAPTISTS TO SHOW 'THAT RACISM WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED'; CALLS FOR PRAYER, FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BURNED
SOUTHERN CHURCHES AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF ARSON ATTACKS

     VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABNS)--In a letter sent today to all congregations
within the denomination, American Baptist Churches General Secretary Daniel
E. Weiss called for a strong American Baptist response to the arson and
fire-bomb attacks that have damaged more than 30 African American churches
in southern states over the past 18 months.

     "We need to take a renewed stand today and show in a multitude of ways
that racism and hate will not be tolerated by those who follow Jesus
Christ," he said. "The prevailing climate of hate in our nation is grievous
to the heart of God.  Racism is a sin, a theological heresy.  American
Baptists historically have stood on the side of the oppressed and
victimized."

     "The majority of these churches are Baptist churches," he noted.
"Most are small, uninsured houses of worship.  These churches have been
torched to strike fear into the hearts of black church communities.  But
'perfect love casts out fear.'  This is a time for American Baptists to
show that love and to stand up to threats, terror and hate."

     Weiss noted in his letter that the American Baptist Churches' General
Board, at its meeting next week in Green Lake, Wis., "will consider an
action calling all American Baptist churches throughout the nation to be in
prayerful solidarity with those struggling to make sense of violence by
asking God for the faith to forgive and the patience to endure future days
of turmoil.  It calls upon laity and clergy of our denomination to petition
the United States Department of Justice to conduct a thorough and detailed
investigation into the church bombings and to take seriously the widespread
effect of all hate crimes against people of color and their houses of
worship.  And it asks that all congregations and ABC organizations join in
the efforts to reconstruct these churches."

     "Financial support is needed now to begin the process of rebuilding,"
Weiss said.  "Although government loans are available, they will have to be
repaid, which will be an onerous burden for most of the uninsured churches."

     "American Baptists will want to participate in the rebuilding of these
churches," Weiss said, noting, "Many churches have already called asking
how they can help through American Baptist channels."  Included with the
letters to all American Baptist congregations are receipt forms enabling
churches to contribute to the relief efforts through One Great Hour of
Sharing.

     Weiss also noted opportunities for American Baptists to join in the
hands-on rebuilding of the destroyed church buildings.  "I have been in
touch with Habitat for Humanity," he said, "and they have made a decision
to assist American Baptists and other volunteers, where requested, to help
in the reconstruction."

96ABN75

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