2008 Declared the “The Year of Reconciliation” by the Ministerial Alliance

SPRINGFIELD – The Ministerial Alliance of Springfield and Vicinity and Praying for Revival All Year (P.R.A.Y.) announced plans to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot by conducting a series of events throughout 2008 that focus on the spiritual themes of reconciliation and healing, calling 2008 “The Year of Reconciliation.”

“We are asking all worship congregations, spiritual leaders and individuals to join us in this citywide effort to draw attention to the timeless spiritual truths that unite us rather than those that divide us,” said Dr. W.G. Robinson-McNeese, president of the Alliance.

A series of special monthly events will be conducted in downtown churches near each of eight historical markers that now commemorate certain events that took place during the 1908 Riot. These Solemn Assemblies will take place in downtown churches on the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 am to Noon from January to August 2008. As part of each events, a march will be made to one of the markers where prayers for renewal, healing and reconciliation will be offered. The August gathering will take place on August 2, 2008 and will be followed by a march to the State Capitol. In keeping with the tradition of Solemn Assemblies, individuals and churches are being encouraged to join with the Alliance and P.R.A.Y. in fasting and prayer on these days.

The Year of Reconciliation logo represents hope that people will humbly reach up to God in 2008 to receive His forgiveness and then have the strength to freely reach across all races giving and receiving forgiveness. Yard signs, posters and t-shirts will be made available to churches and any individuals who would like to help promote 2008 as “The Year of Reconciliation.”

“These meetings will not dramatize the dark, divisive events that took place in 1908, but will acknowledge the progress that has been made since then. More importantly, through the series of Solemn Assemblies, we will call on Christians in this community of all races and faith backgrounds to fast, pray and work towards the ‘ministry of reconciliation’ that is outlined in 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19,” Rev. McNeese, declared. “There is still much to be done for us to be pleasing in God’s sight.”

For more information on how you or your church can participate, contact Dr. Robinson-McNeese at 217-679-1216, or at his e-mail address: pastorMD926@aol.com.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov. 3:6)

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