The
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church
(PBCC), founded in 1820 in Plymouth, England, is proud of its contribution to the history and heritage of North Dakota.
We’ve been part of this enterprising community for over 100 years.
Members of our congregation have built many businesses, providing over 100 jobs for local community members in Neche and Pembina, a significant amount for towns with a combined population of just over 800 people.
This newspaper recently published a series of inaccurate and offensive articles about us, our faith, and our way of life.
We’re writing this letter to provide balance to that narrative.
Our members contribute to society in many positive ways.
Our family-owned businesses contribute to the success of the regional economy, adding to the tax base, generating revenue for local merchants, and helping drive growth and prosperity for the entire community. Contrary to what is reported, none of the businesses operated by our members are affiliated financially with the PBCC, much like a business owned by a Catholic is not affiliated financially with the Catholic Church.
While it is true we choose to worship privately, we have deep roots in the communities where we live, work and worship. We give back in many ways.
For example, our charity, the Rapid Relief Team is recognised globally for its work in support of first responders, health care providers, and entire communities facing terrible misfortune due to natural disasters. In North Dakota RRT has been there to provide help, whether serving meals to families impacted by the Red River Valley flooding in 2022, volunteering at the Make a Wish Walk and run in Fargo, or putting on an appreciation barbecue for first responders in Neche. The RRT, staffed by volunteers from local congregations, is the epitome of how we demonstrate our caring and compassion in action for others outside the church.
We live in one of the most religiously tolerant nations on earth. Our Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and establishes the rights of Americans to practice their beliefs, no matter how small the following or how different the practices are from other religions.
We are humbled by, and greatly value our bond with our fellow North Dakotans, which is deep and meaningful. We ask those who live and work in the communities in and around Neche and who are friends, neighbors, and colleagues to judge the Church, and our members based on your experience with us, not on the false and unsubstantiated narrative written by this paper.
Vern Symington is a member of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Neche, North Dakota.
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Publish date : 2024-09-20 13:00:00
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