Group helps us rebuild on common ground

Re: "Homes at last," Other Opinions, Nov. 3

Jarvis DeBerry has written an important column on how the Jeremiah Group has been keeping "the interests of poor and working-class people front and center during the recovery." Like the prophet Jeremiah, the broad faith-based organization has indeed sought "the welfare of the city" as they have recruited over 500 potential new homeowners, offering them the kind of advice and financial support they need. As they move into formerly Katrina-blighted homes, the new homeowners will help make the city more beautiful, more safe for all of us.

Jeremiah (like its sister Industrial Areas Organizations across the nation) brings together people across race, class, denomination, and geographic lines.

The pastors and their congregations get to know and care about those of other faith communities, opening up many channels of much needed dialogue in what seems at times a badly racially divided city.

The future "welfare" of New Orleans will depend on people coming together across all barrier lines; learning to speak civilly to each other; learning to care about each other, even; and finally learning to find common ground. And as Jeremiah has shown for its nearly 20 years of existence, there is much common ground.

There is more in New Orleans culture to bring us together than to separate us. Think about those things: We love the same music, the same food; most of us love Mardi Gras; for now everyone loves the Saints. And maybe most important, everyone knows someone else's cousin.

The Rev. William Barnwell

New Orleans