wfn.org | ABCUSA: LEADER COMMENDS NEW COALITION'S FOCUS ON FIGHTING

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

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 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

AMERICAN BAPTIST LEADER COMMENDS NEW 
COALITION'S FOCUS ON FIGHTING RACISM
 Citing the historic and uncompromising 
commitment of his denomination to affirm racial 
reconciliation, American Baptist Churches USA General 
Secretary A. Roy Medley has commended the recently 
formed Churches Uniting in Christ in its call to fight racism.
 The coalition brings together nine Protestant 
bodies* which have covenanted to regularly celebrate 
communion together and to recognize each other's 
baptisms.  A major concern of the group  is "to pray for 
the full, visible unity of the one Body of Christ" and "to 
seek forgiveness for the sin of division."  The group's 
member unions have vowed to seek unification within their 
congregations, despite historical divisions based on race, 
and coordinate initiatives to oppose racism and injustice.
 Medley praised the call to reconciliation 
undertaken by the new coalition.  "It is a powerful 
expression of Christ's love manifest in the world, and it 
sends a clear message that Christians from different 
traditions can come together to pursue the unqualified 
shalom and fellowship God desires for us." 
 He said that the coalition's opposition to any form 
of racism is completely in accord with the longstanding 
American Baptist commitment to human rights and racial 
understanding.  Noting the numerous resolutions and 
policy statements of American Baptist Churches USA that 
have supported racial justice and equality, he also cited 
the denomination's many ministries and ecumenical 
endeavors aimed at reconciliation, as well as the 
unmatched racial and ethnic diversity evidenced within its 
5,700 congregations.
 "American Baptists naturally have an affinity for 
the unity of the Body of Christ," Medley said.  "Many will 
join me in applauding all genuine endeavors aimed at 
realizing a community of true equals that emulates the 
love of Christ." 
 The Rev. Rothangliani Chhangte, ecumenical 
coordinator for American Baptist Churches USA, attended 
the inaugural gathering of Churches Uniting in Christ 
earlier this month, representing ABCUSA as an observer.

*African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist 
Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church, International Council of 
Community Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of 
Christ and United Methodist Church.

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