THE FOLLOWING ARE A SELECTION OF EXCERPTS FROM STATEMENTS MADE IN RECENT DAYS BY A WIDE VARIETY OF CIVIC, COMMUNITY, AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN RESPONSE TO A SENSATIONALISTIC SMEAR CAMPAIGN DIRECTED AT PEOPLES TEMPLE AND ITS MINISTER, REV. JIM JONES.

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MERVYN M. DYMALLY, Lieutenant Governor, California:

Not surprisingly, the metropolitan media have singled out Peoples Temple for scrutiny and criticism. This unusual attack on the Church is the cause of great concern and anguish among the friends of Peoples Temple. However, I am pleased to report that those of us who have looked at the great work of Pastor Jim Jones will continue to have strength in our commitment to him. My former colleagues in the state legislature and Mayor of San Francisco, George Moscone, who has given much assistance, has continued to express confidence in the Rev. Jim Jones. The Chairperson of the Legislative Black Caucus and its members are strong in their support of the Peoples Temple and, so is the President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (Black Press of America), Carlton Goodlett.

WILLIE L. BROWN, JR., California State Assembly:

I have represented thousands of people in the metropolitan area where the headquarters of Rev. Jim Jones’ church, Peoples Temple, is located, and I am very familiar with the outstanding work his organization has done in service to society. Rev. Jim Jones is one of the most principled voices for social justice in the nation, and he has been instrumental in providing forceful leadership in developing practical solutions to serious urban problems, such as crime, drug abuse, and neglect of the elderly. Because he is an extremely effective leader in the arena of social progress, Jim Jones has been the object of some malicious attacks from various individuals who (out of personal vindictiveness, racism, and other despicable motives) have mounted a smear campaign. This campaign has been denounced by progressive community leaders and public officials who are working effectively for the interest of blacks and other minority people in our society.

DONNETER E. LANE, Executive Director, San Francisco Council of Churches:

It is a privilege that I/we have the opportunity to express a word of concern for the Christian Ministry of the Rev. Jim Jones and members of Peoples Temple (Disciples of Christ) here in the city of San Francisco and throughout the state of California.

It appears that persons who contribute to humanity the human needs, find themselves in controversial situations, usually marked by misinformation and unsound reasoning. Rev. Jones has contributed to San Francisco and to the needs of the underprivileged and oppressed. He has not done this alone, but with the concern and co-operation of people who are disciples of Christ, in every sense of the word.

Throughout Christendom there have always been those who rejected those who would be followers of Christ. The Scriptures say “feed the hungry – closing naked – heal the sick.” (He has a spiritual gift of healing and provisions for

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those seeking help.)

Rev. Jones has contributed spiritually to the San Francisco Council of Churches Board of Directors since becoming a member. His members have shown concern in the issue related to Council work. Theirs a true spiritual commitment and voluntarily rendered. Rev. Jim Jones’ philosophy is a challenge to the citizens of San Francisco and especially to Christians who are not committed to the Christian doctrines.

I/we have the honor and privilege to speak for one from our community and a member of the San Francisco Council of Churches.

CRISTINA Vasquez, National Representative, Equal Rights Congress:

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