Dear Friend,

The Church is the only answer to the problems of a divided society! This is my conclusion after 50 plus years of ministry, and often seeing the church stand at a distance from the issues that have polarized people. More than 2,500 years ago, Obadiah indicted Edom for that same posture. He declared that Edom’s apathy made them as guilty as those who had actually invaded Jerusalem.

Because of violence to your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame, and you will be cut off forever. On the day that you stood aloof, on the day that strangers carried off his wealth, and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem -- you too were as one of them. (Obadiah 10-11 NAS)

The church can no longer afford to stand aloof and say, “It’s not our problem.” We need an international cooperative effort declaring reconciliation through the cross of Christ as the only viable answer. With this in mind, I have joined with others who share this same vision and passion to found Reconciliation! Ministries International, Inc.

For more than 30 years I have pastored a thriving, multiracial congregation representing many different nationalities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Covenant Church Of Pittsburgh is a working model of reconciliation, and a demonstration of the grace of God. It is testimony of what can happen when faith and vision unite. This measure of success has given me a credible platform from which to address, with integrity, churches and conferences alike on the sensitive yet timely issue of reconciliation — not just racial, but also class, gender, ethnic, and cultural.

I believe that the church must go yet further. I have vision to see a working model of reconciliation i every city in this country and around the world. In many of my ministry opportunities, I have met with people from all walks of life who have the same heart for reconciliation. Reconciliation! is the faith response of those who, with me sense the urgency to model and foster reconciliation in every place and by every means available.

As you read this, ask yourself this question: What role would the Holy Spirit have me play in bringing about reconciliation in my world? Then I invite you to join with me as we relentlessly pursue reconciliation in every sphere of life.

In Him,