When the president of the National Baptist Convention USA oversees the 130th annual meeting in Kansas City next week, he can list challenges and successes.
The Rev. Julius R. Scruggs gives praise after winning the election for president of the National Baptist Convention USA last year in Memphis.
The country's largest African-American denomination is expected to attract about 30,000 delegates and visitors to the downtown Convention Center Monday through Friday.
The Rev. Julius R. Scruggs said the African-American church represents stability in the black community and has consistently helped people in need. But it should do more, the president said.
"The church can do a great deal in helping with the violence, drugs and crime," he said. "But some of the reasons for these are systemic."
Not only can the churches do more, the government can do more, in partnership, he said.
"But some churches don't know how to minister (in their communities) and rather stay inside the walls and praise God and take care of their own facilities. They don't see their responsibility as reaching out to the community economically to help the disadvantaged."
Scruggs points to his own church, First Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., as an example of what could be done. Among the projects he's most proud of is the church's partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The partnership, which includes other churches, has produced 17 houses, with his church alone responsible for three of them.
Scruggs' church has invested heavily in children getting an early start in their education. It is in its 27th year of the Child Development Center and Academy, training students from 2 1/2 years to the third grade. Educators also keep up with students as they move on.
Two years ago the church developed a foundation, endowed initially with $2 million. The interest is used for mission and education.
One success of the denomination Scruggs is particularly proud of is its help with Haiti relief. The denomination has given $1.1 million to the Haiti relief fund, with his church donating $25,000, he said.
"In addition, we have formed a collaboration with four other African-American conventions and partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build 630 houses in Haiti.
"These are temporary houses to replace the tents people are living in, and they are being completed now. We plan to do more and are committed in Haiti for a whole year to help build houses and to help with other needs."
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SOURCE: The Kansas City Star
Helen Gray | hgray@kcstar.com
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