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Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper November 2018 Page 23
Emmitsburg Council of Churches Holds First Community Unity Day

The Emmitsburg Council of how his own Photo Courtesy of Debbie Wivell and Friends community doorsteps. He recounted the stirring
Churches (ECC) enjoyed excellent denomination connections, history of Emmitsburg citizens
participation and inspiring speakers struggles with to make standing up against slavery and
at its first Community Unity Day, welcoming the town a bigotry.
September 23, 2018. Addressing a gay couples. welcoming The Rev. Bill Goal, Bishop,
large number of citizens, speakers at He then place for all Delaware Maryland Synod of the
the event emphasized the importance offered the persons. ELCA, told how he has encountered
of love and tolerance in direct opening The racism in his own life as a parent
opposition to the hatred and fear prayer for Rev. Jon of adopted biracial and African-
scattered by the carriers of racism the unity Greenstone, American children. He provided
and bigotry. celebration. President, ways to address “funny” racial
The Home Comfort Band Mayor Emmitsburg remarks that are bigoted and hateful.
provided bluegrass renditions of Don Briggs Council of Roger Wilson, Director, Frederick
much-beloved hymns and songs. spoke Churches, County Government Affairs and
Their Psalms celebrating a loving about how and Pastor Policy, spoke about how Frederick
and merciful God were appreciated. important of Elias County had become a place persons
Mark Long, Emmitsburg connection Lutheran want to live, work, and raise their
citizen and organizer, began the is within Church in families. He spoke about how this
speaking portion of the celebration Emmitsburg. America county, through its openness and
by welcoming everyone. Mark He shared (ELCA) diversity, welcomes all persons.
stepped forward to help organize about efforts spoke The Rev. Stacey Coles Wilson,
the Community Unity Day in direct to upgrade about the Baltimore-Washington Conference
response to hateful literature left on infrastructure importance of the UMC, spoke passionately of
the doorsteps of many Emmitsburg and the of countering the history of racism and bigotry in
citizens. He recognized the speakers community the literature the United States and the currents
and government officials attending, swimming left by white of change toward a diversity of
including Emmitsburg Mayor Don pool, both supremacists humankind, united by love and
Rev. Stacey Coles Wilson, Baltimore-Washington
Briggs; Thurmont Mayor John of which Conference of the UMC, speaks of positive currents of on tolerance.
Kinnaird; town commissioners; build up and change towards love and tolerance at the Community Emmitsburg Fr. Marty McGeough, St Joseph’s
county commissioners; and encourage Unity Day on September 23, 2018. residents’ Parish, Roman Catholic Church,
candidates for local office. closed with prayer and loud Amens.
Pastor Richard Baker of Trinity The ECC will continue its efforts to
United Methodist Church (UMC) Adve r tise Your Busine ss or Eve nt With Us! demonstrate love and tolerance in
welcomed everyone. He spoke about Want to advertise your business or event? E-mail: ads@thecatoctinbanner.com or call 301-447-4527. Emmitsburg and beyond.