THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 20, 1995 TAG: 9501200008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Hampton Roads United Christians is a loose confederation of pastors, leaders and concerned Christians predominantly from South Hampton Roads.
This group, organized in 1990, has at its heart the desire to see the Christian community in Hampton Roads join across denominational, racial and cultural traditions to break down the barriers which have for so long divided us.
One of its major accomplishments in the past two years was Life Focus '93, a major attempt at reconciliation culminating in a seven-day presentation at Scope with Dr. Anthony Evans and Dr. John Guest.
This effort, in black and white, attracted an attendance of 42,000 Hampton Roads people over the seven days.
Results of this great effort are still being felt across the community as pastors and laypeople are meeting monthly for two hours of prayer, and people who never knew each other are crossing denominational, racial and cultural lines to find fellowship and work together.
It is with this spirit of reconciliation that in response to the recent rash of violence at abortion clinics, we passed the following resolution:
WHEREAS, we believe that abortion, regardless of its legal status, is morally wrong; and
WHEREAS, we believe that abortion is a central threat to the very fiber of the sanctity of life;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we stand against abortion and the entire abortion industry. And
WHEREAS, we believe that violence against the abortion industry has not, nor ever will, accomplish the just end to abortion; and
WHEREAS, we believe that such violence mirrors the same brutality we so grieve in the abortion process; and
WHEREAS, we believe that such violence is out of concert with God's purposes for His people in this age;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we stand against and condemn any act of violence as a means of ending abortion. We recommit ourselves to a redemptive agenda of prayer, compassion and godly initiative modeled after our Saviour and Mentor, Jesus Christ. And we reaffirm the sanctity of life for all people born and unborn.
We do not believe that God in any way condones violence. The New Testament tells us to love our enemies; that ``vengeance'' is not in our hands but is God's alone. We want to make it clear that the majority of Christians in Hampton Roads do not accept the actions of a radical few.
RAYMOND W. STILES, president
Co-executive chairman
Hampton Roads United Christians
Norfolk, Jan. 12, 1995 by CNB