NCC GENERAL SECRETARY EXPRESSES REGRET AT U.S. WITHDRAWAL
FROM U.N. WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM

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September 4, 2001, NEW YORK CITY -- The Rev. Robert W. Edgar, NCC General Secretary, on Tuesday (Sept. 4) expressed his regret at the U.S. government's decision to withdraw its delegation from the U.N. World Conference Against Racism (WCAR).  "To begin with," he said, "the decision prejudges the conference's ultimate declaration, which will not be finalized until Sept. 7. Even then, the U.S. government could have registered its objections at the points it deemed necessary while demonstrating with its presence its commitment to ending racism.

"Walking out certainly does speak loudly and clearly," Dr. Edgar said.  "The U.S. government made its point, but at an unfortunate, heavy cost, I contend. In walking out, the United States forfeited a critically important opportunity to address with courage the legacy, tenacity and toll of racism and to be part of taking a step -- however small, however imperfect -- toward setting things right."

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