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SUBJECT: Statement of Purpose and Plan of Action for Atlantans Concerned about Riots, Their Causes, and Their Consequences We, the undersigned Atlantans, are deeply concerned about the riots which have occurred in our nation with increasing frequency and with mounting violence. We are concerned about the consequences of continued rioting and believe that the deterioration of human relations could do greater damage than the loss of material things if we fail to bring an end to riots and the ·:;_· conditions which spawn the mo We commend to every thoughtful citizen who believes in law and order and human progress the recently released 11 Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders 11 • Whether one would agree absolutely with its methodology or the conclusions of the Commission, we believe the Report contains food for thought and suggestions for action which merit consideration. The Report is a good point of reference and a basis for discussion and action. We are convinced that neither studies, nor resolutions, nor good i ntentions alone will suffic e. We believe that all of the religious l eade rs of Metropolitan Atlanta should act now to bring an end to conditions in our midst which create des pair, contribute to human degradation and fuel violence. We, therefore, commit ours e lves to assist in the task of transforming our urban area , that insofar as our abilities and resources permit, we should endeavor to respond to this urban crisisand help create a city where there is p ersonal safety for all persons and property and where there is reason for hope and opportunity for individual growth and dignity for every citizen. To do this there are many things which we believe must b e done. There must be a pooling of our resources - a coordinated effort for rich and poor, by affluent and depressed citizens , by leaders in religion, education and business and the professions , in industry and labor , in government and in all walks of life to meet our citizens needs in the following areas o �Page Two 1. 2. 3. 4. Police Protection Education Housing Employment (Note: These areas are spelled out in the Council's memo) As we see it, we must create a new attitude even more than we need to create new programs hut both are needed. To establish new attitudes we must begin with ourselves, ourx families, our churches and synagogues. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to - - - - - (three areas are listed) In order to deve lop wide acceptance of our stat ed purpose and our plan of action, we re s pectfully urge Mayor Iva n Alle n, Jr . to i s s u e invi t a tions to Atlanta : p ~ political, e conomic and r eligious leaders, to citizens representative of all areas of our urban community, to attend the meeting sponsored by the undersigned. with the Mayor serving as host. The purpose of this meeting will b e to achieve in the Atlan ta urgan area, an agreement on our stat ed purpos e and to a rr ange for a coordinated use of all possible resources. We seek a true and a new commitment and to develop a simple connectional structure to carry out this commitment. We, by signing this resolution, do d eclaJi-·e ourselves to b e an inter-faith committee and authorize our designated representatives to visit the Mayor of the City of Atlanta and the other loca l l eaders of this area for the following purposes. 1. 2. To offer th e full support of ourselves as representatives of the r e ligious community. at To fund a luncheon for l ead e rs and r epresentatives of both races /which time we could hear from Mayor Ivan Allen hi s suggestions as to how all available resources might be coordinated to achieve our objective s. 3 and 4 are listed in other memo. Finally, we invite all citizens to join with us in a commitment to our Statement of Purpose and our Plan of Action a nd we ask the h e lp of Almighty God in this endeavor to transform and redeem our entire urban area. �