Black Baptists pledge $50 million over 5 years for Haiti

5 organizations form an unprecedented alliance to raise money to rebuild Haiti

March 05, 2010|By Manya A. Brachear, Tribune reporter

Since its beginnings in the 19th century, the black church has ministered to Haiti, but over time and like other churches, it divided into numerous denominations with various missions.

But a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti in January, has encouraged African-American denominations to set aside their differences to concentrate on the devastated island nation.

Pastors from five black Baptist organizations this week announced an unprecedented accord, pledging to raise $50 million over the next five years to rebuild schools, health clinics, homes and churches in Haiti.

The Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, executive secretary-treasurer of the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, said some congregations may face too many hardships of their own to participate. And he acknowledged that donor fatigue might set in, considering the massive earthquake in Chile. But he believes the nation's 40,000 Baptist congregations will have no difficulty meeting the financial goal.

"We are confident that given the opportunity and given the avenue to move resources, that our people will respond," he said, "Hopefully, this will be a catalyst."

Money will go toward establishing five clinics, 50 schools, 500 churches and 5,000 homes. Other components include providing water, energy supplies, cash grants and groceries. An orphanage partnership program will connect churches and social agencies with the more than 1 million children left without parents after the quake.

"Responding to needs in Haiti is, of course, a unique challenge and that calls for a unique response," said the Rev. Stephen Thurston II, pastor of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Chicago's South Side and president of the National Baptist Convention of America. "Our people are giving people. This collaboration adds value to all of our individual works. We believe where there is unity, there is strength."

Meanwhile, other predominately black churches are answering the same call. Leaders of three black Methodist denominations are discussing a joint initiative similar to the Baptists'. Members of Trinity United Church of Christ have raised more than $128,000 and plan to travel to Haiti later this year.

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