National Council of Churches USA
Special Commission
for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast

NCC Governing Board’s Urgent Action

The Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA was established by urgent action by the Governing Board. The Special Commission will strive for the greatest degree of coherence and comprehensive efforts in rebuilding the Gulf Coast communities and in addressing the human inequities which exacerbated a natural disaster into wholesale calamity. 

As Christians, we believe that all humans have dignity and worth and have been created in the image of God.  

Amidst the devastation of the recent hurricanes, we see a God of love and justice. Hurricanes are a natural disaster which brings opportunity. As children of God we are called to be agents of reconciliation, transformation and restoration. 

We believe that the following principles should be adhered to in the efforts to rebuild: 

• Right of affected residents to participate in the decisions about rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region; encourage congregations to participate in community organizations advocating a voice for the voiceless
• Collective responsibility of all people in the country to participate in the equitable rebuilding of the Gulf Coast region.
• Right of all people to a fair opportunity for self-sufficiency; for example, a quality education, jobs, health services, access to capital, etc.
• Right of all displaced residents to return a community that offers security, tranquility and stability of opportunity.

In the days ahead, we will be working through our denominations, local congregations and other faith organizations to ensure that the efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast will be accomplished with justice and equitable distribution of resources to those in need. 

In addition, we will call on Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and state and local legislators to do their part to help all of the individuals, families and communities rebuild a Gulf Coast that reflects justice and fair and equitable distribution of available human and material resources.

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Special Commission on the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, National Council of Churches USA, 110 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone 202-544-2350