Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 11, 1994 TAG: 9406210057
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: |Associated Press|
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Also attending was U.S. Sen. Charles Robb of Virginia, who praised the 500 clergy at the closing session for having "the moral courage to defend family values" at a time when such values are under siege.
Hampton University's 80th Ministers' Conference was part tent revival - with sermons and hymns and shouts of "amen" - and part symposium on social problems facing the black community, such as crime and teen pregnancy.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros told the ministers on Monday that the power of black churches, not directives from Washington, is crucial in reversing the decay of inner cities.
The conference donated $2 million toward construction of the university's new Convocation Center, where Jackson spoke to a packed house Thursday night at a gospel concert.
Jackson paid tribute to school President William R. Harvey.
"You have built buildings, uplifted people and made deep footprints in the sands of time," Jackson said. "For all the people, we thank you. Keep hope alive."
Robb spoke about the civil rights gains made under his father-in-law, former President Lyndon Johnson, and credited the ministers for serving the poor and poor in spirit.
He said they inspired people by their example and gave them hope.
"For all the battles we have won together, we have many more to wage," he said.
by CNB