MINISTERS JOIN FORCES TO ADDRESS SOCIAL PROBLEMS

A new Cape Girardeau organization will pool the resources of churches to address problems of the homeless, youth and the elderly.

Officers will be installed today for the Black Ministers Coalition For Progress.

The Rev. William Bird, pastor of Futrell Temple Church of God in Christ, is president of the new organization.

"Our overall objective is to bring about unification among the leaders and our congregations," said Bird, "and then to address some issues we feel need to be addressed."

Bird said clergy members have watched as the drug culture and homelessness have grown and as youngsters have dropped out of school.

"These are issues that concern us," Bird said. "We want to see if we can't address them from a unified effort. The scripture says where there is unity there is strength. We feel there are some issues we need to address as a community not just as individual churches."

J. Scott Porter, associate pastor at House of Prayer church, said about two months ago, church leaders from predominately black congregations began meeting, looking for ways to address problems they see among church members and in the community.

The coalition has about 20 members, representing at least 10 churches, Porter said.

"There are a lot of things that need to be done," Porter said. "The youth in our community are not doing anything with their lives except hanging out. They need some redirection. The homeless, they need some help, and so do the elderly."

Churches have initiated programs to help these different groups, but Porter said it's not enough.

For example, Porter said at his church they have programs to feed the homeless, provide clothing and food to needy families and offer other services. And many other churches offer similar services.

"We feel we could do more as one, if we combine all our resources together, than if we act separately," he said.

Bird said he is most concerned about relationships with the school system, specifically drop out rates and discipline in the classroom.

"I want to see if we can't bring about a better communication with the administrators and teachers and among the students," Bird said.

Today's installation service is planned at 4 p.m. at St. James AME Church.

In addition to President Bird and public relations director Porter, other officers are vice president, the Rev. Clifford Mitchell, pastor of Second Baptist Church; dean, the Rev. Simon Perkins Jr., pastor of St. James AME, treasurer, the Rev. Jimmy Randal, pastor of Liberty Pentecostal Church; secretary, the Rev. Howard McGee, pastor of New Horizon Baptist Church; assistant secretary, the Rev. Shelton Tyler, associate pastor for Futrell Temple Church of God in Christ; parliamentarian, the Rev. Michael Blissett, pastor of Blissett Temple True Church of God in Oran; chaplain, the Rev. JoAnn McCauley, pastor of House of Prayer Outreach Mission.

A highlight of today's service will be a performance by a mass choir, made up of choirs from each of the participating churches.

"We are hoping to expand and include churches from throughout Southeast Missouri," said Porter.

"We hope to come together with unity," he said, "under one non-denominational organization to meet the needs of this community."