CONTACT: Linda Green (Release # 303) June 18, 1996
The Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) organization of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) is calling on the Christian community to help bring a halt to the burning of African-American churches in the South.
In a June 14 statement, the regional unit of BMCR, an official caucus of the United Methodist Church, also condemned the "racist, terrorist acts" of burning African-American churches.
Calling for elimination of "senseless acts of prejudice and racism," organization leaders said it is "imperative that the Christian community be the catalyst in bringing about a change in the attitudes of those who seek to destroy church property as a means of venting their frustrations."
The caucus is calling for pastors of all races to take a stand against the fires.
"How can we as Christians sit back and see the destruction caused by racism and be comfortable in doing nothing?" asked the statement.
According to Carleathea Benson, Clemson, S.C., president of the jurisdictional caucus, burning more than 25 African-American churches in the Southeast is a reminder of the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala.
BMCR's leaders said they believe the fires are part of "a conspiracy" that is "clearly meant to terrorize African-American people."
Though no one has been killed in these recent fires, Benson asked "If our churches are not safe, what is?"
The SEJ BMCR is joining other religious groups to offer support to "displaced congregations" through prayers and financial contributions.
It also is urging religious leaders to join forces to develop an effective plan to strengthen congregations and communities against race-related situations as society moves toward a new century.
"If we are to succeed," the BMCR statement said, "we must join together to offer healing and hope to those who are in despair."
United Methodist churches and agencies already have responded to the fires with help for their Christian sisters and brothers. In addition to prayers and support, churches have collected offerings, offered facilities, sent workteams and passed resolutions.
The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has established "Black Church Burnings", Advance No. 982700-1, a fund to allow others to respond to the fires. The agency also is preparing liturgy for the June 29-30 "Sabbath of Support," the brainchild of the South Carolina Christian Action Council, that calls all churches to use their weekend worship services to proclaim their unity.
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.
United Methodist Response to Church Burnings and Advance Special Information
GBGM Mission News
Mission News
Last Modified: