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HAMMOND, Ore. - A Christian group believes current economic woes in northwest Oregon may be God's punishment for the U.S. government breaking an 1857 treaty with the Chinook Indians, and the group plans to issue a public apology.

"I know this may all sound crazy to you, but we believe in the Bible," said the Rev. Chris Schauerinann, pastor of Philadelphia Church in Hammond.

Schauermann cites the story of King David: After years of famine, King David turned to God and asked why, and was told his ancestors had broken a treaty by warring against another community.

The U.S. government signed an 1857 treaty with the Chinooks, but today does not recognize the Chinooks as an American Indian nation.

Without that recognition, the tribe has no land claims or fishing and gambling rights, and does not receive federal money.

Schauermann and his congregation believe that declining salmon runs and logging and failed attempts to bring new industry into their community may be God's way of hinting that an apology is required.