wfn.org | NCCCUSA Racial Justice Working Group

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: Wendy S. McDowell, NCC, 212-870-2227
Internet: news@ncccusa.org

NCC3/26/98          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC RACIAL JUSTICE WORKING GROUP SUPPORTS
NATIONAL MARCH FOR AMNESTY FOR POLITICAL PRISONERS

 NEW YORK, N.Y., March 26 ---- The Racial Justice 
Working Group of the National Council of Churches (NCC) 
is supporting Friday's (March 27) "Jericho '98," a 
national march on the White House in support of amnesty 
and freedom for all U.S. political prisoners.

"People in the U.S. continue to need to be 
educated that there are political prisoners right here," 
said Sammy Toineeta, Director of the NCC's Racial 
Justice Program.  "The Racial Justice Working Group has 
long worked on bringing the issue of political prisoners 
to the attention of the religious community.  In 
November of 1997, the NCC's General Assembly supported a 
resolution calling for the release of American Indian 
Movement prisoner Leonard Peltier."

The Racial Justice Working Group is sending five 
representatives to the march, which is being sponsored 
by a host of religious and non-profit organizations, 
including Pax Christi and the Fellowship of 
Reconciliation.

Other actions and ideas discussed at the Racial 
Justice Working Group's Spring meeting, held in New York 
City March 12-14, included:

  Initiating a fund for the legal defense of 
victims of police brutality.  The fund would 
work like the NCC's Ecumenical Bail Bond Fund, 
requiring a minimal initial investment from 
churches.  The Racial Justice Working Group will 
begin setting up criteria for the fund and 
investigating foundations and organizations to 
provide grants and legal help to support such a 
fund.
  Planning a "Hate Crimes Summit," which will 
address not only hate crimes against African 
Americans but crimes against members of other 
racial groups, including indigenous peoples who 
have experienced hate crimes because of their 
outspoken advocacy for treaties and land issues.
  Producing an informational piece for 
congregations dealing with the prison industry.  
The RJWG will study the privatization of the 
prison industry and corporate involvement in the 
industry.  The RJWG also will make a site visit 
to a private prison in Texas this summer.
  Providing more visible support to those working 
on the issue of mascots and the negative 
stereotyping of indigenous peoples.
  Demanding the lifting of the U.S. embargo 
against Cuba.
  Investigating evidence that children of 
political prisoners are being unfairly treated 
by the criminal justice system.

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