Progressive National Baptists Urge Action on Foreclosures

By Adelle M. Banks - Religion News Service
Thursday, August 14, 2008 - Web Link
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August 14, 2008

Members of the Progressive National Baptist Convention called for governmental action to halt housing foreclosures and address climate change during their annual meeting that concluded Aug. 8 in Atlanta.

"PNBC ... urges the U.S. government to take immediate action to stop housing foreclosures and to take actions in particular to protect the low-income and the African-American community which has (been) disproportionately affected by the crisis," the historically black denomination stated in one of 24 resolutions passed overwhelmingly at its meeting.

The denomination also urged its churches to ask members to seek congressional and presidential action to support measures that would reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

The Rev. T. DeWitt Smith, president of the denomination, said in an interview that members of PNBC churches have shown increased concern about climate change after attending a joint meeting with other Baptist groups last January. He said his denomination is taking new steps to help congregations understand what it means to "go green" by considering changes to their church properties and "teaching our children how to appreciate the Lord's good Earth."

He said denomination members discussed the mortgage crisis and how "to help our parishioners find ways to save their homes rather than to lose them."

As in past meetings, the PNBC urged its members to register to vote and participate in elections. Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain were invited but were not able to attend.