wfn.org | Presbyterian Leader: Cincinnati can bring good from racial divisions

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6521 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

8-May-200101163

Presbyterian Leader: Cincinnati can bring good 
from racial divisions

by John Nolan
Associated Press
Reprinted with permission

CINCINNATI — The city can emerge from its racial tensions and build a better
future through reconciliation, the head of the nation's largest Presbyterian
denomination said May 2.

	The Rev. Syngman Rhee, moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), said
his denomination has worked with other ecumenical leaders for years to bring
about better relations between the United States and his native North Korea.

	People divided by racism must realize that it can be dealt with if both
sides stop blaming the other for past wrongdoing, said Rhee, a Presbyterian
minister since 1960.

	"Continued blame would not be helpful because people can say, 'Don't blame
me. I wasn't part of that,'" he said.

	Victims of racism need assurance that their concerns will be addressed and
that they are regarded as citizens equal to others, he said.

	"It is not only good for them to take their places in society, but it is
for the good of all of us in society," Rhee said.

	Three nights of rioting occurred in the area last month after a white
police officer fatally shot an unarmed black man who was fleeing police. The
victim was wanted on 14 misdemeanor warrants charging him with traffic
offenses and previously fleeing police.

	Rhee on May 2 visited the suburban Montgomery Presbyterian Church, which is
marking its 200th anniversary. It was founded two years before Ohio became a
state.

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