The American Council of Christian Churches honors the memory of Dr. Richard Harris, longtime member of the Council’s Executive Committee and former president of the Council. We commemorate especially the deep convictions of Dr. Harris and the statesmanlike manner in which he maintained them over the course of his long ministry. His wisdom as a pastor over many years provided the foundation on which he served the cause of Christ in a broader arena. He demonstrated by his leadership unwillingness to engage in compromise to achieve a pseudo-peace with those who declined to take the same bold stand for the truth. His commitment to the work of the ACCC appeared in his writing and in his counsel to younger members of the Council, especially in the years after he retired from the presidency of the Council. The members of the Council’s Executive Committee salute the unshakable resolve of Dr. Harris to be faithful to the truth of the Scriptures.
The Council extends its Christian sympathy to the family of Dr. Harris, notably to Dr. Allen Harris with whom we have the privilege of serving in the Executive Committee. We pray that the awareness of the Lord’s gracious presence will provide enduring comfort to those who knew him best and who sorrow at his death. We rejoice in the reality that Dr. Harris is in the presence of the Lord, and that the works of Dr. Harris do follow him.
—Rev. David G. Mook, President
