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Press Release
The Executive Committee
of the
Southern Baptist Convention
SBC's Morris Chapman comments
on the churches victimized by arson in Alabama
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 3, 2006 -- Dr. Morris
Chapman, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention's
Executive Committee, commented on the Alabama churches victimized
by arson.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news
of the churches victimized by arson in Bibb County, Alabama, four
of which were Southern Baptist. My heart goes out to the pastors
and the members of those churches, especially the churches whose
buildings were burned to the ground," said Chapman.
"While the building is not the church, it is
a gathering place for God's people. Consequently, it is something
of a sacred place and the reason many still refer to it as a sanctuary.
That sense of sanctuary has been violated, and I cannot begin to
imagine the sense of loss my fellow Christians are feeling. But
we take comfort in the fact that there is One who can understand,
sympathize, and help -- His name is Jesus."
"He is also the same One who can transform
the heart of the one or ones responsible for these senseless acts.
I know all Southern Baptists join me in approaching the throne of
grace, praying for those responsible that they find forgiveness,
and praying that these churches will receive mercy and find grace
to help in their time of need."
The Southern Baptist Convention is America's largest
non-Catholic fellowship of churches with more than 16.2 million
members in nearly 43,500 churches nationwide. The Executive Committee
is the administrative entity responsible for facilitating the ongoing
work of the Convention between annual meetings with offices in Nashville,
Tennessee.
- END -
For media inquiries or to request
an interview
contact Roger S. "Sing" Oldham, Vice President for Convention Relations
at (615) 782-8610,
or by e-mail at soldham@sbc.net
Visit our Web site at www.sbc.net
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