wfn.org | U.S. Religious Leaders Reach Belgrade

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
E-mail: news@ncccusa.org; Web: www.ncccusa.org

RELIGIOUS LEADERS DELEGATION HAS ARRIVED IN BELGRADE
Group Led by Joan Campbell, Jesse Jackson 
Reaches Hotel 9 P.M. Local Time
Friday/Saturday Schedule Now Being Finalized

50NCC4/29/99  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 BELGRADE, Yugoslavia, April 29 ---- A delegation of Christian, 
Muslim and Jewish religious leaders arrived here this evening (9 
p.m. local time) to pursue a humanitarian mission that is to include 
meetings with Yugoslav religious leaders and with the three captured 
U.S. soldiers.

 "We are pleased to be here as a sign of respect for and 
solidarity with the religious community of Belgrade," said the Rev. 
Dr. Joan B. Campbell, General Secretary of the (U.S.) National 
Council of Churches, the delegation's co-leader.  "We look forward 
to meeting with them and affirming their moral leadership in this 
present crisis."

 Emphasized the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Founder and President of 
the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, delegation co-leader with Dr. Campbell, 
"This is not a political mission, this is indeed a journey of 
faith."

 Both Jackson and Campbell emphasized the role religious 
communities can play in providing an alternative route for 
discussion and dialogue in difficult times.  "Even when governments 
are at odds with each other, faith communities can provide a link 
between the people," Dr. Campbell said.  "Our group is glad to be 
here and eager to begin its work."

Jackson kept emphasizing three points that resonate with the 
religious leaders: the need to stop the violence in Kosovo, to 
assist refugees to return to their homes, and for an international 
force to protect both Serbs and ethnic Albanians alike.

As the interfaith delegation arrived at the Hyatt Hotel in 
downtown Belgrade they discovered a billboard on the corner near the 
hotel.  On that billboard was a beautifully decorated egg, which in 
the Orthodox faith is usually a sign of Easter and resurrection.  In  
bold letters across the top, the billboard said, "Christ is risen."  
And on the bottom, "They believe in bombs, we believe in God."  

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