Monday, April 17, 2006
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- A bishop who led a prayer rally Sunday called for healing in the community inflamed by the racial tensions raised after a black woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by white members of the Duke University lacrosse team.
"This is not a racial protest," Bishop John Bennett told more than 100 people gathered in front of the house where the woman told police she was assaulted. "It should not be a question of 'Where are the Afro-American churches?' The question should be, 'Where are the Christians?"'
No charges have been filed in the case, and defense attorneys have said that DNA testing failed to connect any members of the lacrosse team to the alleged rape.
They have also said that they expect District Attorney Mike Nifong could ask a grand jury for charges as early as today.
The woman, a student at nearby North Carolina Central University, said she and another exotic dancer were hired to perform March 13 at a team party at the house.
Bennett criticized authorities for failing to make an arrest nearly a month into the case, describing a cry from the house that "has not been answered."
The rally also included prayers for the alleged victim and the accused by members of Bennett's Church of the Apostolic Revival International.
It marked the second straight Sunday that community members held a rally in front of the house.