wfn.org | AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS FOR SEPT. 23, 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 
Richard W. Schramm, Director (E-mail: RICH_SCHRAMM.PARTI@ECUNET.ORG)

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September 23, 1996

AMERICAN BAPTISTS RESPOND TO CALL TO AID BURNED CHURCHES
WITH MORE THAN $600,000 IN CONTRIBUTIONS, VOLUNTEER WORK COMMITMENTS

     VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABNS)--Responding to the call to minister
with the African American and interracial churches that have been
damaged during the recent rash of arson attacks, American Baptists
thus far have sent contributions of more than $600,000 and have
activated numerous volunteer work groups to aid in rebuilding
efforts. 

     In all more than 75 church buildings have been damaged or
destroyed during the past six years with about 40 incidents occurring
in southern U.S. states during the past 18 months. 

     Many American Baptist churches throughout the United States
have taken, or are planning to take, a special One Great Hour of
Sharing (OGHS) Offering for Arsoned Churches.  As of this morning,
the total for contributions to OGHS for the Arsoned Churches fund had
surpassed $600,000, with additional contributions expected.

     "I had expected a generous response from American Baptists, but
I am gratified by this overwhelming commitment to justice, rebuilding
and reconciliation in the name of Jesus Christ," said Dr. Daniel E.
Weiss, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA.  "We are
showing that as a family we continue to place a high priority both on
confronting the sin of racism and pursuing all appropriate means to
foster understanding and reconciliation."

     Weiss will be updating all American Baptist churches early next
month on the denomination's response to the church burnings.
     
     In consultation with the American Baptist Churches of the
South, American Baptist National Ministries has been identifying
congregations which are requesting reconstruction assistance.   

     Throughout the summer an American Baptist Extension Corporation
(ABEC) facility planner, Dr. Benjamin Greene, traveled from the deep
South to the Pacific Northwest meeting with churches needing 
assistance.  When appropriate, Greene was accompanied and aided in
his work by former American Baptist Churches' General Board member
and architect Gary Sharp. 

     American Baptist Churches USA has made a commitment to assist
the Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Littleton, N.C, with both
OGHS funds and volunteer assistance.  The church, an independent
Baptist congregation, was burned to the ground this past Jan. 4.  At
least six volunteer work groups from various parts of the country
have confirmed commitments to work at the church site.  Numerous
other groups are in the process of planning work schedules there. 
The Olive Grove church also has requested contributions of the
following items: piano and/or organ, church furniture, hymnals,
Bibles. 

1

Arsoned Churches Response/2

     In addition, two $5,000 checks have been sent to Mt. Pleasant
Baptist Church in Tigrett, Tenn.  Volunteer work groups from
Dorchester Temple Baptist Church, Dorchester, Mass., and Kenmore
Baptist Church, Cincinnati, have helped at the church this summer. 
Additional opportunities for rebuilding are being identified, with
OGHS monies to be earmarked for those projects.

     According to the Rev. Thelma C. Mitchell, who directs the
Ministry Center for Biblical Justice for American Baptist National
Ministries and is national coordinator of the Arsoned Church
Response, "Many of the church burnings are the result of bigotry,
intolerance and prejudice.  We can no longer assume our churches are
safe space, so we are working to organize church and community
relationships to make our churches safe spaces once again." 
     The acts of violence and terrorism against churches have led
denominational leaders to endorse the development of a comprehensive
campaign of "Protection and Prevention" ministry.  The goal of that
ministry is to educate, inform and provide a sense of security for
congregations.  Staff will work with a number of experts in the
fields of law enforcement, fire alarm safety, insurance protection
and criminal prevention to create a feasible and effective protection
strategy.  The ultimate goal is to secure the sanctity of sanctuaries
based on American Baptist Churches' historic commitment to disaster
response and relief.

     More information will be forthcoming on ways churches may
become a partner in the "Protection and Prevention" ministry. 
Volunteers wishing to assist in the rebuilding of the Olive Grove
Missionary Baptist Church should contact Volunteers In Mission
(Carole Dieciedue) at 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449.

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