Yesterday, a jury acquitted three police officers in the death of Manuel Ellis. We pray for healing and peace for our community and all those touched by this tragic event.
Tragic situations like the untimely death of Manny Ellis, and others, mar our society and often turn people against one another. Moments like these have the tendency to sow division and hatred into the world – a world in dire need of unity, respect, love, and fraternity.
We pray for Manny, a young man whose life ended tragically. We also pray that Manny’s family and friends will know the nearness of God and experience the love and support of all during this time of sadness and loss.
There is much pain in our community, especially among people of color. It is a pain, rooted in a vulnerability and danger that only they know. It is a pain that has been endured for far too long. It is a pain that, as people of faith, we cannot allow them to carry alone.
We also know that law enforcement officers carry the burden of protecting communities in a society that has been shaped by our historical reality of slavery and discrimination. We cannot allow those who swear to serve and protect us to carry this burden alone.
At this time, we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the way of unity and peace and show us the way forward that respects the dignity of every person and promotes community amongst all our brothers and sisters. May the love of Jesus Christ permeate all that we do and allow each of us to be the healing presence of Christ today.
