CONTACT: Joretta Purdue 339(10-31-71B){151} Washington, D.C. (202) 546-8722
June 11, 1997
EDITORS: This story can be used as a sidebar to story #338 {150}
The National Council of Churches (NCC) has announced progress in a massive effort to restore burned churches through raising more than $8 million dollars and the work of thousands of volunteers..
On the anniversary of the NCC effort to call the hate- motivated destruction to national attention, the organization brought 80-90 pastors and other leaders of burned churches together with other religious and civic leaders at a national convocation here June 8-11.
The NCC established the Burned Churches Fund following the 1996 gathering. In a year, $4.7 million in cash and $1.5 million in materials have been disbursed to 90 burned churches, along with $800,000 in technical services and travel support for pastors..
Labor has been donated by 7,800 volunteers through the NCC and its partners, including the United Methodist Church. More teams are scheduled to work this summer.
The NCC also has spent $1.5 million on leadership and work for racial justice and reconciliation..
During the first year of the fund, cash donations totaled $7.5 million. An additional $1 million was given recently by Leona Helmsley, New York hotel and real estate owner, and $700,000 more has been pledged..
The value of materials -- including wood products, modular units, pews, Bibles, hymnbooks and other furnishings -- given thus far is estimated at $2.6 million..
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
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