How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? —Psalm 137:4 (NRSV)
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches remains in prayer for the people of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and the nation following the Derek Chauvin murder conviction for the death of George Floyd, and the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of police. We also mourn the deaths of Adam Toledo, killed in a police shooting in Chicago, Ma’Khia Bryant, shot by a policeman in Columbus, Ohio and Andrew Brown, Jr, slain by policemen in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
These deaths, and countless others, have given birth to a nationwide movement for reimagining policing, deescalating violence, promoting police accountability, while rooting out systemic racism in police departments across the nation. Social justice is not achieved in individual events or acts; it occurs through incremental steps and significant individual and community sacrifices.
There is trauma across this nation related to police violence and misconduct. The reality is that the experience for people of color in this nation resonates with that of the Children of Israel in exile, as they asked the question, “how can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” This, however, is not a foreign land, though for some it is sometimes unwelcoming and traumatic. People cannot feel at home when they experience trauma, violence, and hatred because of the color of their skin or status in life.
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches advocates for the reform of the criminal justice system, making it more equitable for all people of color. We are committed to police accountability in all communities. We are also committed to addressing the systemic conditions that create community trauma and violence. Our aim is to prevent communities of color from becoming “killing fields.”
Every day, throughout this country, most law enforcement personnel put on their uniforms and badges and with distinction, honor, and courage, serve and protect the public. We celebrate those who uphold human rights and the sanctity of human dignity and life as they protect communities and ethically carry out their work. We stand ready to initiate and support efforts to build positive community policing initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.
The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Ma’Khia Bryant and Andrew Brown, Jr. are tragedies, but we pray that they may also serve as a call to action. It is our hope that the tragedy of their deaths will create the opportunity for people of good will to coalesce around justice and our common humanity.
The Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens
Executive Director
May 5, 2021
