As the murder trial continues for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, we pray that God’s justice will prevail.
Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin kept him pinned to the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd gasped “I can’t breathe” 27 times.
Floyd had been accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill for a purchase at a convenience store. His death ignited protests throughout the country and widespread focus on systemic racism.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Whatever the outcome of this trial, it obviously will not mark the end of racism. We must continue our work together to bring forth a United States of America in which each of us can expect fair and equitable treatment in every area of life, especially the criminal justice system and others that are supported by our tax dollars.
As the Conference’s Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I invite members of our congregations, people in other settings of the church, and all others to join in our work for racial justice, Start here on our website.
I also invite you to join us on the SNEUCC Facebook Page at 3 PM Friday for the Conference’s Good Friday worship service. Titled “Crucifixion and Black Death: A Seven Last Words Service of Lament,” the service includes seven short sermons that place the traditional scripture texts of Jesus’ final words from the cross in conversation with those of seven black Americans killed by police or extrajudicial actors. The service acknowledges that just as evil seems to win a confrontation with God’s transforming will during the crucifixion of Jesus, so it sometimes seems when we consider the conditions of our contemporary world. Both lead us to deep lament on what is one of the most difficult days of the Christian year and in the life of the church.
Download the bulletin to learn more about the service.
Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin kept him pinned to the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd gasped “I can’t breathe” 27 times.
Floyd had been accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill for a purchase at a convenience store. His death ignited protests throughout the country and widespread focus on systemic racism.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Whatever the outcome of this trial, it obviously will not mark the end of racism. We must continue our work together to bring forth a United States of America in which each of us can expect fair and equitable treatment in every area of life, especially the criminal justice system and others that are supported by our tax dollars.
As the Conference’s Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I invite members of our congregations, people in other settings of the church, and all others to join in our work for racial justice, Start here on our website.I also invite you to join us on the SNEUCC Facebook Page at 3 PM Friday for the Conference’s Good Friday worship service. Titled “Crucifixion and Black Death: A Seven Last Words Service of Lament,” the service includes seven short sermons that place the traditional scripture texts of Jesus’ final words from the cross in conversation with those of seven black Americans killed by police or extrajudicial actors. The service acknowledges that just as evil seems to win a confrontation with God’s transforming will during the crucifixion of Jesus, so it sometimes seems when we consider the conditions of our contemporary world. Both lead us to deep lament on what is one of the most difficult days of the Christian year and in the life of the church.
Download the bulletin to learn more about the service.
Author
James D. Ross II
The Rev. Ross leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. He also provides support and leadership within the Conference, our churches, other settings of the United Church of Christ, and the communities where we live, worship and work to ...