JACKSON, Miss. — A predominantly white Mississippi church has apologized for its refusal to allow a black couple to marry in its sanctuary, though the couple said Monday they knew nothing of the apology until a reporter called.
The First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs posted the apology on its website Sunday, saying it was seeking “forgiveness and reconciliation” with Charles Wilson and Te’Andrea Henderson Wilson, their families and friends and God.
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“This wrong decision resulted in hurt and sadness for everyone. Both the pastor and those involved in the wedding location being changed have expressed their regrets and sorrow for their actions,” reads part of the six-paragraph statement.
However, Charles Wilson said no one from the church had contacted him or his wife.
“I can’t believe they think they’ve apologized,” Wilson said. He said only one or two people from the church have contacted him in recent weeks, and they did so personally and not as representatives of the church.
“You put a thing in the media and say you’ve apologized?” Wilson asked. “That is an insult.”
Church officials did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking further comment Monday.
The Wilsons had planned a marriage ceremony at the church July 21, but some members objected to the Rev. Stan Weatherford after the couple’s rehearsal. The Wilsons have said that Weatherford, the pastor, told them he could be fired if the wedding was held in his church.
The couple’s wedding was held in a predominantly black church, where Weatherford officiated. CLICK here to read more
Mississippi Church Apologizes For Racism was originally published on newsone.com
