LETTERS: CAPE CHURCHES WORK TO FOSTER SPIRITUAL GROWTH

To the editor:

Many pastors took heart to your words in the lead editorial of Feb. 21 titled "Churches trying to make strong marriages." As president of the Ministerial Alliance this year, I want you to know of our appreciation of your attention to our concern for improving marriage and family life in Cape Girardeau.

It is also good to learn that church attendance is above the national average in the Cape Girardeau area. Having been in this area for nearly four years, I believe it is a wonderful community full of outstanding leaders and devoted pastors and churches. The Ministerial Alliance is devoted to increasing the spiritual quality of life in our community. We appeal to all that church attendance is essential. We are alarmed that attendance is 44 percent when it could be much better. We hurt with the 520 marriages that were broken in 2000. While we may seem discouraged, I believe that we are all the more determined because of the concern for others so often demonstrated by our churches and community organizations.

Thank you, Southeast Missourian, for your attention to our concern and your continued support of the efforts of so many to make the people of Cape Girardeau a spiritually healthy community for all.

The REV. CLAYTON L. SMITH

Pastor

Centenary United Methodist Church

Cape Girardeau