Church Leaders Speak, Protest Against Racism in Wake of Floyd Killing

UPDATED June 3, 2020

Editor's note: United Methodist Insight has compiled statements from church leaders regarding the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the underlying racism that led to the deaths of Mr. Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. This list was begun on May 30, 2020, and will be updated in reverse chronological order, except that the statement of Minnesota Bishop Bruce Ough will remain at the top.

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Bishop Bruce R. Ough issued the following statement following the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a Black man, died May 25 in the custody of Minneapolis police after an officer was shown pinning him down while he struggled to breathe. 

There is more than one pandemic ravaging Minnesota and our country at this time. In addition to fighting COVID-19, we are besieged by a pandemic of racism, white supremacy, and white on black or brown violence. The tragic, racially charged, and unnecessary death of George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers is only the latest flare-up of this pandemic—and Mr. Floyd is only the latest victim. The list of Black lives who have been needlessly killed grows each day. The pervasive culture of racism and white supremacy, increasingly incited by political rhetoric, grows each day. The fear among parents of Black children grows each day. The flaunting of our laws against racial profiling and discrimination grows each day.

I applaud Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo for acting decisively and quickly to fire the police officers. I am grateful the FBI is launching a civil rights investigation. I join with many others in demanding that justice prevail in this situation. I am praying for the Floyd family and the police officers and their families.

Now, it is our responsibility as persons of faith, and particularly as followers of Jesus in the Methodist tradition, to address this pervasive pandemic of racism. We are compelled to address this pandemic with the same intensity and intentionality with which we are addressing COVID-19.

We begin by acknowledging that racism is sin and antithetical to the gospel. We confess and denounce our own complicity. We take a stand against any and all expressions of racism and white supremacy, beginning with the racial, cultural, and class disparities in our state and country that are highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic. We sound the clarion call for the eradication of racism. We challenge governmental leaders who fan the flames of racial division for political gain. We examine our own attitudes and actions; all change begins with transformed hearts continually yielding to the righteousness and love of God.

Let us not turn away or ignore the disease that has been tearing our country apart and destroying lives for centuries. This disease—the sin of racism and white supremacy—denies the teachings of Jesus and our common, created humanity. Let us renew our efforts to eradicate the disease that truly threatens our ideals and the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of so many of our neighbors.

I urge you to join me in continuing to pray for the Floyd family as well as the many families whose lives were tragically altered or whose fears have been heightened as a result of this inexcusable tragedy. May God’s grace, peace, justice, and vision of the Beloved Community overpower the forces of evil and death.

Bishop Bruce R. Ough

Resident Bishop, Dakotas-Minnesota Area

The United Methodist Church

*The Council of Bishops has endorsed Bishop Ough's statement.

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RCC joins statement condemning police attacks on journalists

The Religion Communicators Council joins with The Associated Church Press in affirming a call by the North American chapter of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC-NA) for an end to police attacks on journalists. We endorse this statement and strongly condemn racism in all its forms and the killing of Black Americans that fostered recent protests.

World Association for Christian Communication (North America) calls for an end to police attacks on journalists

The North American chapter of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC-NA), along with The Associated Church Press and Religion Communicators Council, call upon American law enforcement to immediately cease their interference and abuse of journalists as they cover protests against police brutality and the extrajudicial killings of Black Americans.

American democracy is built on the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech and an unhindered free press. Recently televised and photographed arrests of journalists who have been shot at, tear-gassed, clubbed, shoved, and otherwise abused, represent an intentional targeting of the press and have prevented the practice of their constitutional rights.

We recognize the complex and ever-evolving nature of demonstrations, however, law enforcement violently impeding journalists’ ability to cover the protests limits free speech and narrows the scope of the coverage.

As an organization devoted to upholding communications rights around the world, our calls for justice have often addressed circumstances in developing nations and those with authoritarian leaders. It is regrettable but necessary that we now make this appeal to police officers and leaders in the United States of America.

Preventing the exercise of an independent press in any way is an affront to democracy and the values of a free society. This sentiment is exacerbated by repeated claims of “fake news” and naming the press as “enemies of the state” by the United States president. We call on him, and all elected leaders in America, to strongly affirm the constitutional rights of a free press and take swift action to ensure the safety of journalists.

Signed,

Dr. Glory Dharmaraj (President, WACC-NA)

Rev. Gregg Brekke (WACC Global representative for WACC-NA)

Stephen Chavez (President, Associated Church Press)

Jacqueline F. Fuller (President, Religion Communicators Council)

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Chilling story out of Texas

Of all the stories I’ve read about the May 30-31 weekend of protests, the most chilling comes from Texas Monthly about the excessive show of force by police to anti-racism demonstrations in Austin, Texas. The article, “I Can’t Believe This Is America”: On the Front Lines With the Volunteers Tending to Austin’s Injured Protesters” gives an on-the-scene account from a newly formed volunteer group, Austin Street Medics, about the injuries inflicted on protesters by Austin police. Be prepared to be shaken, even shocked, by the report. – Cynthia Astle

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From the Charlotte Observer June 1

A Message to Our Black Neighbors

In the wake of yet one more unjust killing of an unarmed African American, we clergy and community leaders who are white say to our Black neighbors:

We feel outrage, grief, disgust and remorse.

We stand with you in horror, lament and weariness.

We’re fed up. It’s time.

We confess our complicity, inertia and timidity.

We own our responsibility right now.

With God’s help, we will change ourselves.

With you, we’ll change our institutions and our community.

United Methodist signers of the statement:

Nathan Arledge, Myers Park United Methodist

Jim Brookshire, Sedgefield United Methodist

Michelle Chappell, Dilworth United Methodist

Susan Heafner-Heun, The Vine United Methodist

James Howell, Myers Park United Methodist

Paul Leeland, Charlotte area United Methodist bishop

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From Religion News Service, Jack Jenkins interviews the Rev. Laura Young, a United Methodist clergywoman, about her experience being pepper-sprayer at a protest in Columbus, Ohio: “At protests, some clergy pray, others put their bodies and souls on the line”

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Media Mentions as of June 2, 2020

A nation on fire needs the flames of the spirit – CHRISTIANITY TODAY *

California faith leaders leverage clergy privilege to stand in support of Black Lives Matter – RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

Ahead of Trump Bible photo op, police forcibly expel priest from St. John’s church near White House – RELIGION NEWS SERVICE

Episcopal bishop on President Trump: ‘Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence’ – THE WASHINGTON POST *

Faith at the barricades: A weekend of religious protest and prayer in photos – Religion News Service

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From the Editor: 

Friends, the Florida Annual Conference – the conference I grew up in, as it happens – wins the internet today and all week for this outstanding compilation of reflections from four Black pastors. They challenge The United Methodist Church to confront racism in its own ranks and in American society.

This is a MUST READ for all white people, United Methodists particularly. – Cynthia Astle

Click here to read.

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From the Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, Foundry UMC, Washington, D.C.: 

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1)

Like the psalmist, people are weary of injustice and crying out in the face of another routineinteraction with police that ends in death for a black person. We are reminded that Jesusbypassed oppressive systems which held people impoverished and ill to chase out the moneychangers and heal the sick. Across the country we see escalations of control tactics, instigations of violence by some, and peaceful protests demanding justice by many. I urge ourleaders and all of us to listen to those protesting the systemic racism this country was built onand that persists today.

To fellow white people – we must do our work, using our voice, our privilege, our power, our actions. We must listen to black and brown voices calling for justice today, the voices, words, and stories of the ancestors calling for justice yesterday, and ensure the enactment of visions of justice for tomorrow. Do not lay this work upon our siblings of color. Take up this mantle and go. This work must infuse your every vote, your every step, your every breathlest we hear the words once more, “I can’t breathe.”

Today we mark Pentecost. May the Spirit come upon us as Spirit came two thousand years ago, helping us imagine and live out new ways of being together. While we continue our strategic work of preparation for this Foundry community and how we will dismantle the white supremacy of our own church, we embrace the Holy Spirit’s call to be enactors and pursuers of justice now. By Spirit’s lead, may we learn from, listen to, and understand our neighbors. In so doing, may we receive the truth of God’s love for us and this beautiful broken world. It will not be easy, but we are not alone. God is with us.

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From Bishop Laurie Haller, Iowa Annual Conference: You are no doubt aware of the tragic death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis on Monday at the hands of a white police officer who placed his knee on Floyd’s throat for at least eight minutes, causing him to die. This happened despite protests from onlookers that his life was in jeopardy. 

Floyd’s death has had a worldwide impact as we continue to wrestle with racism in the United States and has sparked protests and riots in Minneapolis as well as in other cities around the country, including Des Moines.

Last night, a planned demonstration to protest Floyd’s death turned violent when some protestors refused to leave. With officers in riot gear lining the streets, protestors threw bottles and broke out windows. Others threw fireworks and bricks as officers fired tear gas. Most of the protestors left peacefully by midnight.

“Racism, manifested as sin, plagues and hinders our relationship with Christ, inasmuch as it is antithetical to the gospel itself,” according to the Social Principles in our United Methodist Book of Discipline.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to name and continue to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. I also pray that we will work toward the day when everyone in our world has just and equal rights and the opportunity to live fully and freely. Standing in solidarity with all marginalized communities, may God’s grace strengthen us to affirm the human dignity of all people.  

Lord, may each one of us be an instrument of your peace, justice, and mercy. Amen.

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Floyd Murder by Police Officer Is an Outrage, Says National Council of Churches USA

Posted May 29, 2020

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,

A stronghold in times of trouble.

And those who know your name

Put their trust in you,

For you, O Lord, have not

forsaken those who seek you.

~Psalm 9:9-10

Washington, D.C., May 29, 2020—The National Council of Churches USA is outraged by the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who mercilessly pinned him down with his knee on his neck until Floyd died. Floyd, who is Black, could be heard repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe,” to the officer, who is white. Onlookers also begged the four officers on the scene to let Floyd up from the ground, video footage showed. Floyd was handcuffed at the time.

This incident adds to a string of occurrences in the last few weeks and too many incidents to count in the U.S. over hundreds of years, where racism and bias coupled with policing are a lethal combination for Black people. Deplorably, while the coronavirus has infected the U.S. and been the cause of death for more than 101,000 people in less than three months, racism has infected this country since its beginnings and this virus has seeped into every aspect of American life. There is still no vaccine for the racism and white supremacy that is so pervasive in our society. There is still no cure. As people of faith, our fight and struggle against this evil that has all of us bound continues.

As the investigation into what happened continues, NCC urges swift and decisive action to bring justice to George Floyd and his family, including prosecuting officers for their egregious disregard for human life.

We are aware that riots have now broken out in Minneapolis and protesters in Louisville were shot by unknown assailants while rallying against the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her bed after officers entered the wrong home. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ring loudly: “Riots are the language of the unheard.” Our nation needs healing but there can be no healing without justice.

NCC also calls on member congregations to be beacons of light in their own communities by addressing racism where they are, acknowledging the trauma experienced by those in the Black community and working tirelessly to end racism and white supremacy once and for all.

“In a moment like this, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘silence is betrayal,’” said Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, NCC Chair and president and general minister of the United Church of Christ. “We must not sit in our privilege or comfort zones but do everything in our power to end this evil that infiltrates our nation.”

In addition to the A.C.T. Now! to End Racism initiative, predominantly white churches within the NCC have also been working together to do their part to end racism and white supremacy, including agreeing on a definition of what white supremacy is.

“We are all responsible for doing the hard work to end racism and white supremacy, especially white people. The burden cannot always be on our African American brothers and sisters. These are not just ideologies or individual opinions. These are the systemic issues at the core of American society and it is deadly, said Jim Winkler, NCC President and General Secretary.

According to Rev. Aundreia Alexander, NCC’s Associate General Secretary for Action and Advocacy and the staff person to the Racial Justice Task Force, “The stain of racism that pervades our systems and structures continues to be most horrifically expressed in state sanctioned murder and abuse. It is long overdue for us to put an end to police brutality targeted at Black people. We’ve had enough and all of us have a responsibility to speak, to act, and to work for justice for the people who’ve lost their lives brutally and unnecessarily.”

For more information on the NCC’s A.C.T. Now! to End Racism initiative and to access a list of resources, click here: https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/resources/

Read online: http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/floyd-murder/

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May 29, 2020

United Methodists of the Greater Northwest,

My heart is heavy with the weight of another killing of an unarmed Black man at the hands of a white policeman. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave humanity a miracle as the Church was born: the ability to understand each other, even though they came from different cultures and spoke different languages.

This Sunday, please join me in praying for George Floyd, whose breath was stolen from him, and for his family as they mourn. Pray that God’s Holy Spirit will give us, in our time, the gifts of understanding, respect, and peace among the peoples of this nation, blessedly diverse in race, culture, and language.

Bishop Elaine J.W. Stanovsky

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May 29, 2020

AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH

Dear Members and Friends of the Desert Southwest Conference,

The violence against George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, the resultant loss of life, and the sluggish actions to address these incidents of racism and injustice, especially against members of the Black community are urgent calls to action. Violence is erupting because of the frustration and anger we feel when there is continuing occurrence of brutality and death. We grieve that justice is elusive. Attempts at peaceful protests have been ignored and attempts to implement non-violent, lasting change have been futile. But this is not a call to action for violent protest or retribution.

Word is circulating that protests are being planned for communities in our Desert Southwest Conference. You may feel the deep anger and frustration welling in your souls as you see the brutality of death on the street. Although you and I are outraged at the racism and callous use of force shown graphically in the videos, we must not let our anger and frustration beget more violence, destruction, or death. Let us turn our energy and attention to actions that I believe will contribute to a lasting change in our communities. Here is what I am encouraging our United Methodists to do:

• I URGE YOU TO PLEASE STAY HOME and do not participate in protest gatherings that may erupt in violence. Let us not participate in the perpetuation of a cycle of violence that may create more harm, injury or death, and the needless destruction of property.
• Call on your legislative leaders to share your anger and frustration. Ask our leaders to work even more fervently to create a more just system of affirmation of our United Methodist stance: “We recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons.”
• With the news that there has been an arrest of the perpetrator of the violence against George Floyd, encourage our leaders to promote justice for the victim and his family.
• Join me in prayer for peace. Not the “do nothing and hope it goes away” peace; and not just “let those who have died rest in peace.” Instead, let us pray that we will confront our own prejudices and words and actions that may intentionally or unintentionally contribute to racism and pray that we will be a part of the solution for this sin that continues to plague us.
• Live daily into our Desert Southwest Conference vision that proclaims that we are a courageous church, acting for justice.

As you receive this letter from me, will you pause to offer this prayer, and will you pray this in some shape or form every day:

God, our Creator, in these times of incredible anxiety and challenge, we offer a prayer that is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a prayer about another pandemic that has been a scourge on our human family for centuries. We pray for the end of violence and racism that persists and now threatens to envelope us in the evil of hatred and the sin of violence against other humans.

Forgive us when we have allowed ourselves to be teased into believing that this sin is no longer.  Help us to realize that we have not yet achieved what you have proclaimed, that all persons are created by you and loved by you. Give us the courage to speak and act for justice for all. We pray especially for our sisters and brothers of color and in the memory of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others. Amen.

Praying and acting for justice,

Bishop Bob Hoshibata

Faith in Public Life Petition

Being black in America should not be punishable by death. But the tragic and senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery serve as shameful examples of the sinful disregard for the sanctity of black lives. 

As people of faith, we believe that everyone is created in the image of God, and thus deserves love, respect and justice. We cannot look away or shudder in silence when racism denies these values. We must demand that our leaders investigate the vile truth before us. We call on the U.S. Department of Justice to thoroughly and transparently investigate the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, and hold the perpetrators accountable.

People of faith cannot remain neutral amid the numbing national chorus of white fear and white privilege which fuels black death at white hands. Police killed 1,099 people last year in the United States. Black Americans represented 24 percent of those who died, nearly twice their proportion of the population. 

In community after community, headlines and dead bodies prove the systemic and rampant devaluation of black life. In Glynn County, Georgia, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was shot dead by two white men while jogging. Only after video of the killing was publicly leaked were they arrested. George Floyd died pleading for breath while the knee of a duly sworn police officer squeezed the life out of him. Floyd’s killing cries out for a full federal investigation. We demand the same for Breonna Taylor, an EMT in Louisville, Kentucky, who was shot at least eight times after police forced their way into her apartment. 

The racism that leads to the killing of unarmed black people by police and vigilantes was also on display in a recent videotaped incident in New York City’s Central Park, where a black man bird-watching asked a white woman to comply with the requirement that her dog be kept on leash. She responded by threatening to call 911, saying “I’m going to tell them there’s an African American man threatening my life.” She then followed through on the threat. Such incidents illustrate how easily white privilege is wielded as a degrading weapon against black people’s lives. 

This is not a black moment. This is a moral, mountain-moving moment. Allies of every race, particularly those who are white, must call these acts what they are: the poisonous fruit of unchecked privilege and endemic bigotry. As people of faith, we must do more than just say the names of the slaughtered. We must sign our names publicly on their behalf and demand the full measure of justice for their bloodshed. Attorney General Barr: let the eyes of the law see George, Ahmaud and Breonna as God does. Black Lives Matter to God.

SIGN THE PETITION