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By Ecumenical Ministries of Orego [6]n
EMO responds to grand jury decision in Ferguson
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) stands in prayerful solidarity with the people of Ferguson, Mo., in the wake of yesterday’s grand jury decision. We pray in this time of serious tension for the city of Ferguson and its citizens, law enforcement officials, justice-seekers, and others to respond in a nonviolent manner.
It is our hope that this tragedy will be a transformative moment, deepening our awareness of the racial divides that exist in our communities. As Michael Brown’s father stated, “I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”
We recall the words in Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
To work for both justice and peace requires a commitment to building the “beloved community” by advocacy and action, deepening racial awareness by engaging in sacred conversation, and dismantling the systems that perpetuate racism and contribute to the unnecessary deaths of people like Michael Brown and so many other young people in this country. May we dedicate ourselves to these ends.