Epiphany Letter from Presiding Bishop Lichtenberger
Diocesan Press Service. January 7, 1964 [XVII-15]
Epiphany, 1964
To the People of the Episcopal Church:
The search for racial justice in our country continues to produce difficult and painful situations within which the Church is called to minister. Recognizing that each of us has a share in this work, our National Council at its December meeting asked me to make a special appeal for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to enable our Church better to respond in 1964 to the demands and opportunities the crisis presents.
Each of us is involved in the struggle for racial justice, some by the circum- stances of conflict in which they live; others less directly but nonetheless actively; all by our prayers, our citizenship and our giving. For it is a mark of our freedom already given in Christ Jesus to share in the reconciliation of men in our nation.
Your contributions may be sent to me at the Episcopal Church Center. Checks should be drawn to the order of Lindley M. Franklin, Jr., Treasurer.
Faithfully yours,
Arthur Lichtenberger
Presiding Bishop
LICHTENBERGER APPEALS TO THE CHURCH
Presiding Bishop Lichtenberger has appealed to Episcopalians to contribute "to church programs devised to extend civil rights, as well as to give financial support to persons caught in situations of racial crisis."
The Presiding Bishop's appeal for $150,000 was requested by National Council at its December meeting when it took note of the nation's involvement in the current race crisis. There is every expectation that more emergencies will arise in 1964. All churches will be called upon to devote more time and funds to deal with racial crisis situations as they arise, and for binding up situations after barriers of segregation are lowered.
During 1963, the program on race was financed from the National Council budget authorized by General Convention. More funds will be required in the future. Increasing numbers of persons caught in racial crisis situations need emergency assistance. They include clergy and laity and their families need medical care, jobs and legal assistance. Further there is the long-range task of assisting communities which have been caught in racial strife to open communication and seek reconciliation based on justice.
Cooperative action by the churches is a major part of the Episcopal Church's response. The Episcopal Church has been asked to contribute $45, 000 towards the 1964 budget of the Commission on Religion and Race of the National Council of Churches, of which the Presiding Bishop is chairman. Its program includes field services in tension areas, assistance in negotiations, communications, interfaith activity and efforts to bring the weight of the church to bear on its own failures.
National Council established a special fund to receive these monies and it will authorize expenses from it.