College President, Alabama
Governor, And Alabama Congressman In Attendance
The Pastors Of The Burned
Churches
Three Alleged Arsonists Also
Known As College Pranksters
What makes these three so
special?
Who Are These Rodents That A Governor
Campaigns For Them?
On Sunday Oct 1, 300 people gathered Sunday at
Birmingham-Southern College from 10 rural churches victimized in an
arson spree. Over a old fashioned country barbecue, Rep. Artur Davis and
Gov. Bob Riley, mingled with the pastors, urging forgiveness.
The Governor Of Alabama
"We will never understand why some things happen," Riley said.
"But I have enough Primitive Baptist in me to know God has a plan
for our lives. God will ultimately use it (the tragedy) for good,
and your being here tonight is a testament to it."
College President
The same day the students were arrested, Birmingham-Southern, and
organized Jewish groups, set up a fund to help the churches rebuild.
David Pollick said he was just being a good neighbor.David Pollick
has given $368,000 to the churches, from anonymous donors.
Rep Davis Pleads For Forgiveness For Arsonists
Davis commented on how proud he was od Alabamians, and now they
should act with grace, restraint and Christian love.
"Anyone who wanted to sow division and hatred, you've come to the
wrong place in Alabama," Davis said.
Yom Kippur
Several Jewish speakers pointed out that Sunday was Yom Kippur,
the Jewish Day of Atonement, and world communion Sunday in Christian
churches.
All of the holidays have an element of forgiveness and of
aligning one's will to God's.
Reverend Parker
The Rev. Jim Parker, pastor of Ashby Baptist Church, spoke of
extending forgiveness to the arsonists, whom he has visited several
times in jail. BSC student John-Mark McGaha sang "Behold how good
and blessed it is for kindred to dwell together in unity."
