This week, we anticipate that the Grand Jury will be releasing its decision about whether or not to indict Henderson Police Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown. Leaks from the supposedly secret Grand Jury hearing are leading many to believe that no indictment will be brought... that the shooting of Michael Brown will be labeled justifiable. Whatever decision the Grand Jury releases, most of us are aware that there are too many unarmed Black, Latino and Native American young people being shot and killed by police officers in our country. Hardly a week goes by without such a shooting. Most of the time, these killings are labeled justifiable, and the officers who are involved suffer no adverse consequences. I understand the need for police. And so, I am not trying to paint all law enforcement officers as bad or callous. Nevertheless, I believe that a certain callousness has entered into our system of law enforcement that allows too many police officers to take lives with impunity - especially the lives of those who belong to racially and culturally marginalized groups. As a follower of Jesus, I cannot stand idly by and let that callousness continue. Our nations disregard for the lives of people and communities must change. Our ways of doing policing must change. The police must become protectors of the people and not their enemies. For that reason, I encourage all of us who are people of faith to be ready for the coming of the Grand Jury decision. There will be a gathering in Los Angeles at Leimert Park at 4pm on the day the decision is released - whatever that decision might be. And I hope that as many of us a possible will make an effort to attend. This is not just about Michael Brown... or Eric Garner... or John Crawford... or Ezell Ford... or Omar Brego... or.... It is about creating a society where all lives matter.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 20:06:34 +0000
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