Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
96b-45
June 18, 1996
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has adopted a two-pronged approach toward assisting African American churches damaged in ongoing arson incidents throughout the South. The denomination's Reconciliation mission on June 13 sent $9,570, designated for "burned Black churches," to Church World Service. The disaster response agency of the National Council of Churches recently issued a $1 million appeal for contributions to rebuild or repair damaged church facilities and to raise public awareness. Nearly 60 predominantly black churches in 14 states have been bombed, burned or vandalized during the past six years. More than 30 have been targeted in the past 18 months. The most recent was June 12 in Enid, Okla. Most of the victimized congregations are rural black Baptist churches, many of which have a history of advocacy work. Others also are actively involved in community economic development, day care and housing assistance ministries. In addition to the burning incidents, church structures have been vandalized by racist graffiti and several pastors have received anonymously written death threats. "Whether or not these acts are part of some kind of larger racial conspiracy, may be debatable; however, they are clearly acts of racial hatred and violence," said the Rev. Johnny Wray, director of Week of Compassion. For the Rev. L. Wayne Stewart, Reconciliation director, the underlying racism is a spiritual problem that can only be solved through healed race relations. "We either have to pay the high price of reconciliation or continue to pay the high price of reconstruction as a result of these hate crimes." Earlier this year, WOC and Rockville (Md.) Christian Church provided a $1,000 grant to the Greene County (Ala.) Emergency Fund to aid four black churches there that were burned. Members of the Disciples General Board recently contributed $2,570 through Reconciliation to a fund established by the National Council of Churches in New York City. Disciples congregations wishing to respond are encouraged to send contributions to Reconciliation, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Week of Compassion and Volunteers in Mission are also investigating opportunities for volunteer work groups to join the rebuilding efforts. Washington (D.C.) Quaker Workcamps are already coordinating work groups through Aug. 25. CWS is also planning volunteer opportunities. Interested Disciples groups may contact WOC or VIM for details.
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