This article by Bert O. Tucker, associate editor of the Christian Index, published by the Georgia Baptist Convention, appeared in the Nov. 16 edition.

Churchmen from a 16-county Georgia area known for conservation have united in an interdenominational alliance to fight poverty, involving both Baptists and Catholics among the five participating denominations.

“Mission: Concern,” as the Northeast Georgia group is called, was formally born after six months of preliminary ground work and committee functioning, led by a Catholic priest, a number of Baptist pastors, leaders from Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. VISTA workers, Episcopalians, Methodists and Presbyterians.

The area involved is characterized both in general conservative atmosphere and such statistics as 2,670 persons unemployed, 20,437 families with less than $3,000 annual income, 1,097 school dropouts, 36 percent of housing classified as substandard, more than 30 percent of the population over 25 years old with less than eighth grade education.

Now mobilized again in committees, those involved in “Mission” are preparing a structured assault on poverty.

Immediate goals are being set for housing, for ministries to the elderly, for day care centers, for nutritional programs, for recreation facilities, for tutoring aids, for clothing sales centers, for employment, health, financial and educational services.

Authority for the modern battle on inequities, rejected for decades in this area because of the inevitable label of ecumenism which is feared especially by Baptists, has been assumed simply for a centuries-old mandate.

“…I was hungry and you fed me…thirsty and you gave me drink…a stranger and you took me in…naked and you clothed me…sick and you took care of me…in prison and you visited me…”

Success of the first full gathering of supporters in Cleveland was surprising to some. Approximately 260 leaders, representing a large percentage of the denominational makeup of Northeast Georgia were in attendance. Because of the heavy Baptist population of the area, committee chairmen and others among the organizers were encouraged to see a significant number of small Baptist church pastors present. Cooperation has been given also by Truett McConnell College.

Noticeable absences were apparent, leaders said, however, of “First Baptist Church” pastors and Baptist association leaders.

Brooks Hays, director of the Center for Ecumenical Studies at Wake Forest University, stated the goal: “We are determined that those deprived shall share in affluence.”

As guest speaker for the banquet group, Dr. Hays said: “Unworthy of a Christian nation is the fact of millions who will go to bed hungry tonight. However, no matter how much is brought in for food, nothing can take the place of the presence of those who care.”

Baptist pastor Jack H. Richardson of Hiawassee recounted details of the months of organization behind the mass assembly. “We’re talking about ways to worship. We’re talking about problems much too large for any one church or group, but which can be reached by all of us.”

Ross C. Coggins, former Southeastern Regional Director for VISTA and a former associate secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission, cited the formative directions made by 47 current VISTAS in the 16-county area and for their help “in making us live up to what we’re supposed to be.”

A prime mover among the organizers, speakers said, was Cleveland Catholic Chapel Priest Fran Ruff who initiated formation of the first steering committee for the “Mission; Concern” endeavor.

He said response at the gathering has authorized action in three area: (1) encouragement for churches of all denominations to make available facilities for day care centers, centers for the elderly, tutoring programs, etc.; (2) training of church members to visit area homes and bridge the gap between available government programs and the people needing them; and (3) enlisting churches to “adopt” the local VISTA worker.