year-of-reconciliation-logo.jpg It has been almost 100 years since the Springfield Race Riot of 1908 brought hatred, murder and destruction to the streets of the capital city. During those few days, seven people died (including two black men who were lynched), many more were injured and dozens of homes and businesses owned by black individuals were destroyed.

Now two area religious groups are commemorating those infamous hot August days by conducting a series of events that will focus not on spite and division, but rather on the spiritual themes of reconciliation and healing, especially racial. Calling 2008 "The Year of Reconciliation" church leaders representing the Ministerial Alliance of Springfield and Vicinity, and Praying for Revival All Year (PRAY) gathered at Lincoln Library on Dec. 11.

They were there to invite members of the community to attend eight monthly events conducted in downtown churches near each of eight historical markers that now commemorate events that took place during the 1908 riot. As part of each event, a march will be made to one of the markers where prayers of healing and renewal will be offered.

"In the Year of Reconciliation our emphasis is going to be breaking down all kinds of division that separate the city of Springfield. We're going to pray and reach up to God to ask God for his guidance in how to do that," said Rev. W.G. (Wes) Robinson-McNeese, president of the Alliance.

The Ministerial Alliance is an association of religious leaders devoted to spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ throughout Springfield and the vicinity. They meet the first Saturday of each month to share breakfast and discuss items of concern. Most of all, they encourage a spirit of unity and cooperation among churches.

"We are asking all worship congregations, spiritual leaders and individuals to join us in this citywide effort to draw attention to the timeless spiritual truths that unite us rather than those that divide us," said Rev. McNeese.

"For healing to occur it is important to acknowledge before God and each other what happened in 1908 with the race riots. ... We're inviting all citizens of Springfield to join in prayer for forgiveness for things that happened then, things that have happened in the recent past and more importantly to begin to pray for reconciliation and forgiveness between the racial divide that is in our city today," said Pastor Juli Guy, who serves at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield and was at the press conference representing PRAY.  

"These meetings will not dramatize the dark, divisive events that took place in 1908, but will acknowledge the progress that has been made since then. More importantly, through this series of solemn assemblies, we will call on Christians in this community of all races and faith backgrounds to fast, pray and work towards the ‘ministry of reconciliation' that is outlined in 2 Corinthians 5: 18-19," Rev. McNeese said. "There is still much to be done for us to be pleasing in God's sight."

Dominican Sister Mary Jean Traeger, parish life coordinator of St. Katharine Drexel, was one of the few women representatives at the Dec. 11 meeting. She said she is pleased to work with the Ministerial Alliance, a group that she was invited to join shortly after she moved to St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

The members of the Ministerial Alliance have been very welcoming, Sister Mary Jean said, adding that the final solemn assembly will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Aug. 2. That gathering will be followed by a march to the State Capitol.  

For more information on 2008 Year of Reconciliation, go to www.SpringfieldMinisterialAlliance.org .