This statement by a large group of clergy, many of them supportive of the Ferguson protest movement, was released on Thursday, March 12, the day after two police officers were shot as a protest was winding down. A prayer vigil was organized that night at the Ferguson Police Department.
Our hearts go out to the families of the injured officers. Our prayers are with these officers, their families, and every victim of violence in our streets.
As those who stand with the families of those lost to police violence, we know all too well the deep sense of loss when a community loses a loved one. There has been far too much blood shed and far too much pain.
We bear witness that last night’s shooters were not part of the protesting community. We condemn the actions they took to put first responders and peaceful protestors in harm’s way.
And, as always, we urge anyone who may have information concerning this crime to come forward.
Last night’s events do not bring us closer to the goals of our movement, which has been rooted in the principles of non-violent direct action. For over 200 days, hundreds of thousands of people across the country have taken to the streets to demand change. We must not forget –Ferguson is only one example of an endemic, national problem.
Our communities have responded in the best tradition of resistance to oppression and in the defense of democracy, by organizing ourselves, reaching out to our allies, pushing legislation and building a movement that will stay in the streets no matter what happens and maintain our
commitment to build real transformation for our communities and for our people.
This shooting is part of a cycle of violence and demonstrates how civil order is breaking down between elected officials, policing authorities and our communities.
It is unfortunate that some elected officials and police leaders are twisting this tragedy into an opportunity to silence calls for change, to frame democracy as a dangerous proposition. Quality policing needs to be a part of the new covenant between civil authorities and the communities that empower them.
Again, this movement seeks to secure a justice system that works for all. We have the opportunity, as a community, to move forward toward a safer and more just community for everyone. This opportunity will not be thwarted by the vile acts of a few individuals.
We all must work together to create, uphold, and enforce a democratic social contract between civil authorities and all of our communities.
