CONTACT: Linda Bloom (Release #310) New York (212) 870-3803
May 28, 1997
by United Methodist News Service
Another 17 churches will receive a total of $464,200 in grants from the Burned Churches Fund of the National Council of Churches (NCC).
The grants, announced May 23, complete "phase one" of the NCC's assistance to burned churches.
Established to rebuild houses of worship burned because of hate or racism, the fund has now given 98 cash awards to 82 churches, mostly African-American congregations in the Southeast. The total distribution is $4.6 million according to the NCC.
The NCC Burned Churches Project has worked with 124 congregations in total. The next phase, to explore steps toward rebuilding churches and communities of justice and working against racism, will be launched at a June 8-10 convocation in Washington, D.C.
Throughout the spring and summer, volunteers will continue to help with rebuilding projects. According to the NCC, some 15,000 people have volunteered, with 7,800 already placed on a rebuilding site.
Other contributions have included $2 million in wood products donated by the International Paper Company, modular units valued at $350,000 donated by G.E. Capital and Bibles, hymnals, pews, robes, office equipment and other articles valued at $250,000.
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