Covenant of mutual respect

By Gary Roberto

SPOKANE, Washington--More than 50 churches and pastors and dozens of individuals signed A Covenant of Mutual Respect in Spokane.

The covenant was drafted by the Spokane Council of Ecumenical Ministries, Greater Spokane Association of Evangelicals and the Ministerial Fellowship Union (African-American pastors).

Pastor Glen Weber and the WCG Spokane advisory committee were signatories to the Covenant.

The Covenant reads in part: In response to the City of Spokane's call for commitment to action in the September 1996 statement on Racial Equity and as members of the Spokane Christian faith community responsible for the shared leadership of our congregations and institutions, we denounce the ongoing and growing racist comments and actions--some subtle, some blatant and vicious--that plague our city, state and Inland Northwest.

We represent a varied and diverse tradition whose basis for commonality can be found in the Scriptures that reflect deep commitment to justice, mercy, righteousness and peace for all.

We endeavor to share insights and to grow and learn from each other in a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect, thus living out this Biblical vision. It is our hope and earnest prayer that in so doing we will provide a positive model of respect for all.

For full text see Spokane church home page at http://www.churches.wcg.org/inland-nw/