Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack has proclaimed October as Reconciliation Month.

Mack, in a special ceremony, signed a proclamation recognizing the work of Mission Mississippi and its history of working with persons from all races.

Some local residents have been working for some time to coordinate Mission Mississippi activities in the City of Laurel.

A group of ministers and concerned citizens met at City Hall to take part in the mayor’s signing of the proclamation.

Neddie Winters, executive director of Mission Mississippi, along with Rev. Gene Anderson of Sandersville United Presbyterian Church, Rev. Joe Holloway of St. Elmo Baptist Church, Rev. Duane Parker of First Church of God in Laurel, Rev. Donald Moore of Greater Laurel United Pentecostal Church, Rev. Mattie Gipson of St. Paul United Methodist Church of Hattiesburg and Rev. Frank Gipson of Mallielu Charge of the United Methodist Church took part in the ceremony.

Winters said it’s important to involve everyone in the process of race relations.

Mack said Mission Mississippi was incorporated in 1993 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the proposition that persons from all races would promote reconciliation and unity in Mississippi by breaking down traditional barriers that have separated the people of this state.

“Throughout the intervening years Mission Mississippi has labored tirelessly toward this goal by sponsoring weekly prayer breakfasts, the Governor’s Prayer Luncheon, Mayor’s Leadership Prayer Breakfast, conferences and other events designed for Mississippians of differing backgrounds to come together across racial and denominational lines,” Mack said. “That’s why it’s important for me to sign this proclamation recognizing that Mission Mississippi will sponsor events in the month of October proclaiming a message of brotherly and sisterly love and unity which can enhance and improve the lives of all citizens of Laurel and the state of Mississippi.”

Those working with the group said the meetings are for all Christians who share a passion for building bridges of unity, and forging ideas that promote reconciliation in our churches and our communities.

“It’s designed to involve the whole community,” Winters said. “We want as many people as possible to become involved.”

Winters said the ministry of Mission Mississippi is to encourage and demonstrate unity in the Body of Christ across racial and denominational lines so that communities throughout Mississippi can better understand the Gospel message.

Winters said Mission Mississippi has been meeting in this area for several years. However, the group earlier this year conducted a Day of Dialogue.

Winters said Mission Mississippi is facilitating Christ-based racial healing one relationship at a time.

Mission Mississippi sponsors and coordinates opportunities for people of different denominations and races to meet, build deeper personal relationships, and serve the Lord together through intentional gatherings.

For more information about the group visit its web site at www.missionmississippi.org.