ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608050087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
AT A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY marking the opening of a new church, the civil rights leader had some harsh words for cowards who burn churches.
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, while opening a new church Saturday, denounced both the burning of black churches and Congress' new welfare overhaul.
With the arm of church founder Bishop L.E. Willis Sr. around him, Jackson led a brief prayer before cutting the ribbon and officially opening the $3 million Garden of Prayer Temple.
The grand opening of the 1,750-seat church was a sharp contrast with the recent burnings of black churches, Jackson said.
``The cowardly burn churches, the courageous build them,'' he said. ``This church is a monument to the determination of the common people to have a place of worship.''
Jackson also condemned the welfare overhaul bill that cleared Congress on Thursday. He called the bill a ``defining moment'' in the history of black America.
``They cut affordable housing,'' he said. ``We're building first-class jails but second-class schools.''
Jackson talked about American attitudes toward the poor and urged the congregation to fight for the needy.
``We cannot defeat the evil forces in November if we don't fight back,'' he said.
When the church is completed, it will feature a swimming pool, tennis courts and a basketball court to be used by area youth, Willis said.
``God has ordained this church to reach out to young people,'' he said.
Jackson has a long association with Willis. The bishop, a former 2nd District Democratic chairman, organized a local branch of Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and has helped with Jackson's political campaigns.
The temple is affiliated with the Church of God in Christ, which has more than 4 million members nationwide.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB