Two special-interest groups drafted corporate statements during the U. S. Congress on Evangelism.
A statement from black delegates urged black and white Christians to “join together in the spirit of love and unity” and to “give ourselves to the preaching of the gospel.” In response to requests from white delegates, it set forth eleven recommendations on what Christians can do to relieve oppression of blacks. The statement calls upon the Church to confess sins committed against black people, to commit itself to “a war against prejudice and discrimination,” and to try to establish “a positive image and rapport in the black community.”
The statement adds: “We recommend that congregations become involved in racial reconciliation by (a) developing and implementing programs to provide new housing in suburban areas which will allow black citizens the freedom of choice and mobility to travel, to move to, and live near jobs and schools; (b) developing cultural programs which stimulate pride by blacks in their community and that white congregations educate themselves in the rich heritage to black Americans by securing information through the Christian Education Department of the National Negro Evangelical Association; (c) involving themselves personally and financially in assisting in minority self-help projects, letting black people take leadership in such endeavors; (d) aiding individuals in finding better alternatives to the present welfare system and practices, even to the point of guaranteed income; (e) practicing an ‘equal opportunity employer’ attitude when filling pulpits.”
The statement also suggests that white churchmen bring blacks into influential roles in religious organizations, schools, businesses, and unions.
The other message came from the youth caucus. It declared that “the papers presented do not express options for evangelism in the seventies but imperatives.” The over-thirty generation was urged to put its works where its words are: “We American Christians tend to flagellate ourselves for past wrongs. We are moved to tears over the injustices within the body of Christ, the lack of personal holiness, and our phoniness before our brothers. We weep with seeming genuine repentance but then comfortably climb back into our secure little ruts.”
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
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