wfn.org | NCCC Comment - Betty Shabazz Death

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National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Internet: carol_fouke.parti@ecunet. org

NCC6/23/97      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comment of the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
General Secretary of the National Council of the Churches of 
Christ in the U.S.A.
on the Death of Dr. Betty Shabazz

 NEW YORK, June 23 ---- In the passing of Betty Shabazz, 
the nation has lost a great treasure.  Women especially of 
every circumstance, religion, race, and class have lost an 
exemplar worthy of their admiration.  Although her life 
exposed her to injustice, sorrow, hatred, and violence, she 
did not answer in kind.  To the very last she clung to hope, 
faith, and justice, inspiring others with her integrity of 
purpose.

 Dr. Shabazz was a bridge builder, forging new linkages 
where only distance and indifference had stood - between 
religions, classes, races, genders, and worldviews.  Her 
legacy is one of patience and understanding.  Her commitment 
to the young and her unfailing belief in change for the 
better should continue to guide our communities.

 Our prayers now are with Dr. Betty Shabazz's family in 
their sorrow and loss.  We give thanks to the God of Abraham 
that for her, sorrow and suffering are done.  We pray now 
that God's grace and mercy might attend this family, which 
has given so fully of itself for our people and our future.

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