New York, January 31, 2006 -- The President of the National Council of Churches USA, the Rev. Michael E. Livingston, has issued the following statement on the passing of Coretta Scott King:We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of civil rights leader Coretta Scott King. She was an unwavering advocate of civil and human rights and a champion of nonviolence. Her strength and fortitude are to be admired and emulated. We will forever be grateful for the legacy that she leaves behind.
Coretta Scott King, widow of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was a beacon of light and defender of truth and righteousness. She touched many lives and we will never forget her tireless efforts to advance the dream and vision of equality and justice for all people.
Our prayers are with her family and friends as they go through this difficult time. Our thanks is to God, who blessed us with a treasure in earthen vessels in the woman who was Coretta Scott King. May she rest in peace and may we all do our part to honor her life and legacy with our words and actions.
The National Council of Churches is composed of 36 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States.
Contact: NCC News
Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252
pjenks@ncccusa.org
Leslie Tune
202-544-2350, ext. 11
ltune@ncccusa.org
