The American Baptist Churches of the Rochester/Genesee Region has been a part of an interfaith coalition whose objective is ending the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Earlier this year the coalition sponsored a community forum which was attended by over 900 people.

A survivor of the persecution, Mohamed Yahya, spoke passionately about the crisis detailing the violence he witnessed. Mr. Yahya, a Muslim was quite moved by the support he has received by Christians and Jews in the United States.

The coalition is partnering with the George Eastman House (Eastman Kodak) and many other community groups to welcome the “Darfur-Darfur” exhibit to Rochester beginning in January 2007. The coalition has been invited to provide the kickoff event on Jan. 21 at 4:30 pm with an interfaith service and candle light procession to the Eastman House. The Eastman house will be opening the exhibit to the community free on that night as well as projecting images from the exhibit outside their building. Major lectures and special programs are being planned throughout the month.

In addition to this service each faith community is using green boxes which are symbolic of the Save Darfur efforts to receive offerings prior to the event. These boxes will be delivered by each faith community to the interfaith ceremony.

Ongoing efforts to encourage US government intervention as well as divestment from companies which are working in cooperation with the Sudanese government are a part of the coalition’s work.

-- Alan Newton

Rev. Alan G. Newton is the executive minister of ABC of Rochester/Genesee.