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03/08/2006
Christian Leaders Applaud Reports that Arrests Have Been Made in Alabama Church Fires WASHINGTON, Mar. 8 -- The Christian Defense Coalition and National Clergy Council commend federal and state law enforcement for their dedication and commitment to apprehend those behind these hate filled attacks. The two organizations visited the burned churches in Alabama and helped set up a fund for their rebuilding. They have also lobbied aggressively for the Department of Justice and President Bush to make this investigation a top priority. The groups also want to remind the American public that churches and Christianity are the overwhelming target of hate crimes and attacks in America. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, comments, " We applaud federal and state law enforcement for their tireless work in making these arrests concerning the Alabama church fires. Our hope and prayer that all of those behind these fires will be brought to justice. When a church is burned and attacked in America, faith itself and religious expression is under attack. It is more than just a building being burned. The faith community must continually stress to the American public that over 1,000 churches have been burned in the past 10 years and that Christianity is the overwhelming target of hate crimes and attacks in America." Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council, stated, "We are heartened by these arrests. If these individuals are proved to have committed these despicable crimes, we pray justice will be done and the perpetrators will repent of their sins. We are also grateful to Attorney General Gonzales and the Department of Justice for responding positively to the pleas for help by national church leaders."
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