South Africia Statement

The Republic of South Africa is founded upon and continues to maintain an apartheid philosophy and practice of discrimination based upon race. This continued practice is directly and intentionally responsible for the disenfranchisement of South Africans, black and white alike. We deplore the repression and imprisonment of ministers, missionaries and members of our denomination in South Africa who have strived for equality. The United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. has made a commitment to peacemaking and has taken actions in opposition to the warring aggression of South African troops in Angola and Namibia. Our congregation believes that these policies of South Africa are inimical to the well-being of Society. As Presbyterian and citizens of Maryland, we the Session of The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church support the joint House Resolution No. 1 introduced to the Maryland State Legislature by Delegates Exum, Woods, and Santangelo to request restrictions on certain banking transactions between the State of Maryland and any financial institution that makes loans or otherwise conducts business with the Republic of South Africa.