National Council of Churches Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Rosa Parks

October 25, 2005, Washington, D.C. — The National Council of Churches USA has released the following statement about the passing of civil rights champion Rosa Parks:

"It is with sadness and a deep sense of loss that we receive the news about the death of Rosa Parks. She was a heroine in our midst — one who taught our nation about courage and determination. She will truly be missed.

Rosa Parks, who was known as the 'Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,' was a trailblazer and a pioneer. She was a powerful witness to all of us who believe that one person can make a difference and she will forever be remembered for her quiet resolve. Although her physical life has ended, her work lives on even as we continue to fight for justice and equality in this nation. We hope that America will one day fully honor her sacrifice by ending poverty and racial disparities, having adequate and affordable housing and health care, and making sure that workers are paid a living wage for their labor.

We will forever be grateful for the gift of her life and the legacy she leaves us all to hold fast to our beliefs."

-end- 

National Council of Churches
475 Riverside Dr, New York
New York 10115-0050
Media Contacts: Leslie Tune at 202-544-2350 or Phil Jenks at 212-870-2252
news@ncccusa.org; www.ncccusa.org

Note: Women of the ELCA staff member Inez Torres Davis, who coordinates the organization's antiracism and cross-cultural programming efforts, had these comments:

"Rosa was reported to have said: Each person must live his or her life as a model for others.

If we can manage to live in such a way, we can change the world. We will stumble and we will make mistakes but, if we keep getting back up and keep moving in the direction of compassion and healing, we will change the world."