The World Council of Churches has rejected “the brutality of both violence and racial injustice” in relation to the killing of black American man George Floyd and the unrest which has rocked the US city of Minneapolis in recent days.
In a statement issued on Friday, the WCC said: “As part of our Christian understanding and our witness in the world, we reject the brutality of both violence and racial injustice. We therefore express our revulsion at the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, and call for full accountability for those responsible for his death.”
But they added that “violence will never be ended by more violence”.
“We call on those now expressing their anger in violent protest to end the violence, but to strengthen peaceful demands for accountability and reform until justice is done.”
Signatories included WCC central committee Moderator Dr Agnes Abuom, Vice Moderators Metropolitan Prof Dr Gennadios of Sassima and Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, and acting General Secretary Rev Prof Dr Ioan Sauca.
Protesters gather around after setting fire to the entrance of a police station as demonstrations continue after a white police officer was caught on a bystander’s video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, on 29th May. PICTURE: Reuters/Carlos Barria
An unarmed black man Floyd, 46, died after an incident in which he was apprehended and held down by a police officer kneeling on his neck. He died shortly after in a nearby hospital while in police custody. Unrest, including violence, looting and arson, broke out in the city of Minneapolis this week after a video filmed on a mobile phone showing Floyd being held down was released.
Four officers were dismissed in the wake of the video’s release and Derek Chauvin, the officer seen on the mobile phone video footage kneeling on Floyd’s neck, has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
The WCC said racism “that continues to infect our societies” was evident in the manner in which Floyd and so many other people of color have died.
“This must stop. There must be a conversion (metanoia), reflection, repentance and rejection of all forms of racism and racial discrimination, and a true and genuine acknowledgement of the equal God-given dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of colour or ethnicity,” the WCC statement said.
“Superficial measures will no longer suffice. In the case of Mr Floyd’s killing, a crime has clearly been committed. Criminal prosecution must surely follow, as well as fundamental reforms in law enforcement. More importantly, society itself must change, to confront and rid itself of these hateful and deadly prejudices.”
The church body said the “pray for Mr Floyd’s family and loved ones, that they might be comforted in their bereavement, and see their loss become the catalyst for positive change”.
