In an effort to demonstrate that "what hate burns, love rebuilds," Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) in St. Louis has established a "Rebuild the Churches" fund to support churches targeted by arsonists last month.
Bishop Alan M. Gates and Bishop Gayle E. Harris invite congregations and individuals in the Diocese of Massachusetts to consider gathering support for the effort.
"At the end of June, four predominantly black churches were burned down by arsonists in a clear attempt to strike a blow at the heart of the black community. As fellow children of God, we stand with our sisters and brothers to help them rebuild these buildings--which are not just houses of worship but centers of ministry for their community," the "Rebuild the Churches" giving site says.
Money raised through this effort will be divided equally among Glover Grove Baptist Church in Warrenville, S.C., College Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., Briar Creek Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., and God's Power Church of Christ in Macon, Ga. Others will be added to the distribution list if necessary, according to the site.
"Communities of all faiths are invited to hold special offerings as a sign of interfaith solidarity against racism and with our sisters and brothers of faith," according to the site, where a list is posted of those churches that have already agreed to take up a special collection at least once during July.
In addition to special collections taken up this summer in support of the burned churches, individuals may also donate online or send checks to Christ Church Cathedral with "Rebuild the Churches Fund" in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to: Rebuild the Churches, c/o Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.
More information is available at the "Rebuild the Churches" giving site, here.