wfn.org | Symbolism of confederate flag discussed in committee

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #5999 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

26-June-2000
GA00054

	Symbolism of confederate flag discussed in committee

	By Jane Hines
	
LONG BEACH, June 26--In considering how to respond to Overture 00-91 On the
Confederate Flag, the Assembly Committee on National and Social issues
uncovered a variety of feelings about what the flag symbolizes for different
groups and individuals.

     After hearing from the overture advocate, the Advisory Committee on
Social Witness Policy and a representative of the Racial-Ethnic Advisory
Committee,  in addition to representatives from the five presbyteries in
South Carolina, the committee displayed great sensitivity to the range of
opinions about hatred and heritage implied by the flag.

	Embracing justice and rejecting racism, the committee finally adopted the
language suggested by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, with
the addition of a sentence commending the five South Carolina presbyteries
and other Christian organizations who have accomplished the removal of the
flag from the capitol building of their state.
 
      They will recommend to the General Assembly the approval of Overture
00-91 as amended:
The 212th General Assembly (2000) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
acknowledges that the current debate over the placement of the Confederate
Flag is a social witness concern that continues to be raised not only in the
states of Georgia and South Carolina, but also in other states across this
nation.  Therefore, in an effort to further promote racial reconciliation in
the church and society, the 212th General Assembly (2000) commends the
presbyteries of South Carolina and other Christian organizations that are
working to remove the Confederate Flag from government buildings.

	It also directs the stated clerk to send a resolution to all states that
display the Confederate Flag on their capitol buildings and grounds urging
the removal of this symbol from their government facilities where laws and
public policies, which impact the lives of all the residents of the said
states, are developed and enacted.

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