FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
323-294-3830
ninthhq@sbcglobal.net

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ASSISTS IN COORDINATING
RELIEF EFFORTS FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE DISASTER

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 – The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church under the leadership of Senior Bishop Marshall Gilmore offers the support of its congregations, nationwide, to provide shelter, food and financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Chairman of the College of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the CME churches in Louisiana and Mississippi, calls for prayer and action.  The CME Church and communities in these states that have not been damaged by the storm and flood will work with the relief agencies in providing support for the victims while aiding in the restoration efforts.

Bishop L. L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate of the CME churches in Alabama, is coordinating the efforts of those Alabama churches to ensure that everything possible is done to provide for the needs of the victims.  The congregations will work with government and private relief organizations to ensure help is given where needed.

The College of Bishops is encouraging all CME churches across the nation to raise special offerings throughout the month of September to aid in relief efforts.

Further, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church calls upon President Bush and Congress to mobilize governmental agencies and resources for immediate and swift action to provide rescue and relief to the hundreds of thousands endangered and displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Additionally, the CME Church calls upon private contractors across the nation to act on behalf of these communities, offering resources and equipment for rescue and rebuilding efforts.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chair of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns, on behalf of the College of Bishops calls for the marshalling of the United States Armed Forces to provide for the mass rescue operations made necessary by the flooding, loss of electricity, and other physical hindrances.  Special consideration must be given for displaced victims to be housed at available camps and in particular those military facilities closed over the past several years. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other relevant agencies must coordinate an effective national response, setting forth efficient lines of communication and working with local, state and national organizations in both the public and private sector.

The CME Church recognizes and thanks all citizens and supporters who have already stepped forward to prevent the additional loss of life and more infrastructure damage.