|
New York City–The United Methodist mission agency has joined the call for a thorough investigation of the hanging death of an 17-year-old African American youth June 16 in Mississippi. Members of Ministry in the Midst of Hate and Violence (MMHV), a ministry of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, are in Mississippi to witness at a Friday (July 7) rally organized to protest what the family and its supporters are calling an incomplete investigation. They are joining local United Methodist pastors and concerned citizens who support the family's call for a reopening of the investigation into 17-year-old Raynard Johnson's death. Dr. Randolph Nugent, general secretary of the mission board, asked that people join in prayer for the family of Raynard Johnson. " The circumstances of this young man's death are not yet known, but it is important that we include the family in our prayers in this time of grief and hurt over their loss, " Nugent said. The rally, to be held at a local church, is being organized by the Reverend Jesse Jackson in support of the family's request that the investigation be reopened and another autopsy performed. United Methodists and other members of the faith community, anti-hate groups, and legislators are scheduled to participate. A march is planned for Saturday morning. Johnson was found hanging by a belt from a tree in his family's front yard in Kokomo, a rural community in Marion County, Mississippi. The death has been ruled a suicide by the local coroner's office. The family has asked that another autopsy be performed outside of Mississippi. Lois Dauway, GBGM executive for social justice said, "We are living in the midst of an epidemic of hate and violence. While we pray that this young man's death was not the result of hate, we cannot know until a complete investigation is done. For the sake of the family and the community that is hurting because of this young man's untimely death, we are supporting the call for an investigation." In response to continuing incidents of hate-based violence in the United States, the board's Women's Division for the past two years has coordinated an effort to document incidents. United Methodist Women from around the country have been sending newspaper clippings about reported incidents to undergird MMHV's efforts to educate people about the prevalence of such crimes, to provide support to victims and communities, and to help eradicate attitudes that contribute an atmosphere for hate and violence. Over the past two years, the ministry has been active in providing witness, support and funding for the rebuilding of houses of worship destroyed by arson and in working with anti-hate groups. The Advance number for Ministry in the Midst of Hate and Violence is 982700. July 13, 2000 | Top | Ministry in the Midst of Hate and Violence |
Search | |