CONTACT: Thomas S. McAnally (Release # 312) June 20, 1996
United Methodist and other Christian leaders continue to speak out against the burning of black churches.
"We express our full support and compassion for those who have suffered through the destruction of that which is most sacred to the heart and life of the religious community -- the very house of God," said officers of the Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference chaired by United Methodist Bishop Marshall "Jack" Meadors Jr.
The group called on all Mississippians to work for justice and peace; condemned "all acts of violence, particularly those motivated by racism and prejudice"; and said "a climate of silence implies consent for those who would perpetuate such acts." Another member of the group's executive committee is the Rev. Michael Culbreth, pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Jackson.
Elsewhere, the Rev. Thom White Wolf Fassett, staff executive for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society in Washington, said the "viciousness and hate" represented by fires deliberately set "are a threat to every church, synagogue and mosque in the United States."
He said the board is supporting legislation extending the jurisdiction of the federal government to prosecute hate crimes. United Methodists are being asked to support legislation in their respective states that Fassett said could have a "preventive impact on the activities of hate groups and individuals."
Through ecumenical groups, Fassett said the board has pressed President Clinton to take an active and visible interest in the cases; supported investigations by the Treasury Department; and called for he Justice Department to take swift action to investigate and prosecute.
"The phenomenon of hate-crimes and racial violence will not go away until Christians commit themselves to the elimination of a practice that is incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Fassett said.
Contributions may be made to the United Methodist "Black Church Burnings" fund (Advance number 982700-1).
Produced by United Methodist News Service, official news agency of the United Methodist Church, with offices in Nashville, Tenn., New York, and Washington.
For general information about The United Methodist Church, call InfoServ at 1-800/251-8140.
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