wfn.org | Accounting on Burned Churches Fund

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (151
notes).

Note 151 by UMNS on June 11, 1997 at 16:05 Eastern (1903 characters).

Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of
the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New
York, and Washington.

CONTACT:  Joretta Purdue                       339(10-31-71B){151}
          Washington, D.C.  (202) 546-8722           June 11, 1997

EDITORS: This story can be used as a sidebar to story #338 {150}

NCC accounts for Burned Churches Fund
disbursements at national convocation

     The National Council of Churches (NCC) has announced progress
in a massive effort to restore burned churches through raising
more than $8 million dollars and the work of thousands of
volunteers.
     On the anniversary of the NCC effort to call the hate-
motivated destruction to national attention, the organization
brought 80-90 pastors and other leaders of burned churches
together with other religious and civic leaders at a national
convocation here June 8-11.
     The NCC established the Burned Churches Fund following the
1996 gathering. In a year, $4.7 million in cash and $1.5 million
in materials have been disbursed to 90 burned churches, along with
$800,000 in technical services and travel support for pastors.
     Labor has been donated by 7,800 volunteers through the NCC
and its partners, including the United Methodist Church. More
teams are scheduled to work this summer. 
     The NCC also has spent $1.5 million on leadership and work
for racial justice and reconciliation.
     During the first year of the fund, cash donations totaled
$7.5 million. An additional $1 million was given recently by Leona
Helmsley, New York hotel and real estate owner, and $700,000 more
has been pledged.
     The value of materials -- including wood products, modular
units, pews, Bibles, hymnbooks and other furnishings -- given thus
far is estimated at $2.6 million.
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