Bishop Harvey: "Add Your Voice for Justice"

"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”  Amos 5:24

The past few weeks, as I caught glimpses on the news of the Derek Chauvin trial, my soul ached. Witness after witness, interviews with George Floyd's family all awakened feelings of deep despair.  

Today we heard the news of the conviction of Derek Chauvin on all counts in the death of George Floyd. This news reverberated around the world.

Floyd's tragic and unnecessary death at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers was a stark reminder – once again – of the racial injustice that pervades our country. Chauvin's conviction comes days after the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of yet another police officer in Brooklyn City, Minnesota. The list of Black lives needlessly killed grows each day.

These deaths come on the heels of the oppression and death experienced in the Asian community, particularly the deaths of eight people in Atlanta and the eight who died at the hands of a gunman at a Federal Express facility in Indianapolis.
 

Violence is pervasive in America and must stop. Just this evening, news reports out of Columbus Ohio are that a fifteen-year-old girl was reportedly shot by police, just minutes before the George Floyd verdict was announced.   

As people of faith, we must respond! The lectionary text in this Eastertide has focused on 1 John - an epistle that focuses us on LOVE, a love that casts out all fear, a love that ushers us toward light and away from darkness. 

Love is foundational to our Wesleyan theology and must be our guide. 

I invite you to join me in prayer for our communities of color, our communities that live in fear each and every day. Pray for parents who tuck their black sons and daughters in bed each night, praying for their safety. I also ask you to add your voice for justice to these prayers. Engage a friend, your Sunday School class, or a small group in conversation.

It has been said that conversation is the currency of change. These conversations are difficult as we often don't know what to say or where to begin. Perhaps we can start by admitting that these issues are challenging and complex. This brave and honest step is the first step toward real change in the world.

Louisiana Methodists are people of transforming faith. May God's peace be with each of you as you work to transform the world by starting in your own neighborhood, family, school, and church.

Grace and Peace, 
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey