May 25, 2021
Dear friends,
One year ago today, the world witnessed a horrific act of brutality. For nine minutes and twenty nine seconds, Derek Chauvin’s knee pressed down on the neck of George Floyd. Despite Floyd’s cries for help and desperate attempts to breath, he would pass away shortly after.
Throughout this year, we were reminded that the murder of George Floyd was not an exceptional occurrence, but rather one of many stories of injustice inflicted upon our brothers and sisters of color, past and present.
All day, I have been praying for the family of George Floyd. I have been praying for the families of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, Atatiana Jefferson and Ronald Greene. I have been praying for the Holy Spirit to fill us with courage to keep on working to confront and eradicate the sin of racism.
This evening, as we remember the names of others whose lives were also taken by racist violence, I affirm my ongoing commitment to Build Beloved Community in all that we do. I affirm my ongoing commitment to help cultivate responsible police reform that simultaneously honors and protects all people of color from racial profiling and violence, and that also equips those who serve in public safety with the tools they need to serve and protect the dignity of every person, especially people of color.
This evening, I invite you to join me in our common vocation to strive for justice and to respect the dignity of every human being. I invite you to be the voice that speaks out against racism and the voice that calls for justice and equity. In the name of Jesus, may we continue to be people of action, working together to build the Beloved Community.
Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no
longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon
them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work
in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings,
The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin
Bishop
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