PC(USA) offers support to torched and vandalized Mississippi church

Fire and ‘Vote Trump’ graffiti are being investigated as a hate crime

by Gregg Brekke | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), sent a letter of support to leaders and members of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi after the congregation’s building was vandalized with “Vote Trump” graffiti and set ablaze.

Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons called last week’s attack on the century-old Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church “a heinous, hateful and cowardly act,” which is being investigated as a possible hate crime against members of the “black church and the black community.”

Nelson’s November 2 letter to the church’s pastor, the Rev. Carolyn Hudson, said the congregation has withstood racial hatred and advocated for justice since its founding. “Your steadfast witness over the 110 years of Hopewell’s existence is a beacon that has faithfully pointed to a different future—God’s future-that will take us beyond the things that divide us,” he said.

The letter also pledged support from the Presbytery of St. Andrew, saying executive presbyter the Rev. Gregory Goodwiller would contact them to see if there are ways the presbytery could offer support and help.

“Please know that we are standing with you as you rebuild your place of worship, deal with the various outcomes of this terrible deed, and continue your strong witness to Jesus Christ and to the Providence of our God,” Nelson concluded.

The full text of Nelson’s letter is printed below.

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November 2, 2016

The Reverend Carolyn Hudson
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
654 N. Delesseps Street
Greenville, Mississippi 38701

Dear Sister Hudson,

I am writing to you as the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to express our profound sorrow over your loss in the burning of your sanctuary at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Our grief, of course, is more profound because we, like you, are aware of the seeds of racism and hatred out of which such acts stem, seeds which have very deep roots and which have been nurtured all too well by the harsh political rhetoric that has infected our political life in these days.

Your church is one of so many in Mississippi and all across the South and the rest of our nation who have tried so hard to represent the Spirit of Jesus Christ, even toward those who see themselves as our enemies. You have responded to evil with good; to hate with love. Your steadfast witness over the 110 years of Hopewell’s existence is a beacon that has faithfully pointed to a different future – God’s future-that will take us beyond the things that divide us.

We are represented in the region by The Presbytery of St. Andrew, based in Oxford. They are aware of the loss you have suffered and are prepared to be in touch to see what ways we can be helpful to you as you recover from the attack on your church. Please know that we are standing with you as you rebuild your place of worship, deal with the various outcomes of this terrible deed, and continue your strong witness to Jesus Christ and to the Providence of our God.

In Christ,

J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)