The Interfaith Clergy Council of Gary and Vicinity will host its 58th Emancipation Proclamation Service of Freedom. Clergy from Northwest Indiana will be joined by educational and political leaders, business leaders, and the community. The mission of the organization is to unite the religious leadership of this area in spiritual fellowship and service with special emphasis upon prophetic social action.
The Emancipation Proclamation Service of Freedom will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at the Unity A.M.E. Zion Church at 5757 Massachusetts Street in Merrillville, Indiana. This year’s speaker will be Reverend Dr. Rameen M. Jackson, pastor of St. Timothy Community Church in Gary, Indiana. Reverend Dr. David I. Neville, Jr. is president of the Interfaith Clergy Council of Gary & Vicinity and pastor of the host Church, Unity A.M.E. Zion Church.
The Emancipation Proclamation consists of two executive orders issued by United States President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. The first one, issued September 22, 1862, declared the freedom of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863. The second order, issued January 1, 1863, named the specific states where it applied.
The Proclamation will be read by Attorney Barbara Bolling-Williams in its entirety and Jada Norris will offer a Praise Dance selection. Donations will be used to support the Interfaith Clergy Council Scholarship Program and the Community Grant for worthy projects in the community for men, women, and children who are at risk.
For additional information contact Reverend Vera Johnson at 219-487-9714; ICC President Reverend Dr. David I. Neville, Jr. at 219-880-6769; or Vice President Bishop Dale, who serves as the chairperson.
