After Ferguson decision, Geoffrey Black calls for courage in the struggle for justice and peace

A St. Louis County grand jury has decided not to indict a white Missouri police officer in the death of an unarmed black teenager. The decision, which was announced late Monday, Nov. 24, by St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCullough, finds no probable cause to charge officer Darren Wilson with a crime. The announcement by the prosecutor concluded a process which began Aug. 20 with presentation of all the evidence.

Michael Brown, 18, was killed by Darren Wilson on Aug. 9 in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson, touching off weeks of demonstrations and sometimes violent protests.

United Church of Christ General Minister and President the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black has released this statement in response to the decision of the grand jury.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

In the months that have passed since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown last August, the attention of the nation on Ferguson, Missouri, has sharpened the reality that racism still exists in our country and is as deadly as ever.  Our prayers for justice have been fervent but the truth remains that in communities around the country, racial profiling of people of color by law enforcement, and particularly of young African American men, far too often has lethal consequences. 

Day after day, protestors have peacefully marched in the streets of Ferguson, demanding that justice be done. People of faith, including UCC clergy and leaders, and young people living in the area, have provided key leadership in this organizing effort.  Even so, a state of emergency was declared days before the announcement of the St. Louis grand jury decision on whether or not Officer Darren Wilson would face criminal charges.

Our United Church of Christ Statement of Faith reminds us that God promises to all who trust in God “courage in the struggle for justice and peace.” In the wake of the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Wilson and the implication that Michael Brown’s death was justified, the people of Ferguson, of the St. Louis area, and of the nation at large are left with an open wound and no visible means to begin the healing process. Disappointment, frustration and anger abound. Any and all of these responses are understandable.

However, we are also reminded by our statement of faith that we are engaged in a “struggle for justice and peace.” These two concepts are appropriately joined.  To engage in the struggle takes courage and a renewed commitment to advocacy and action, to deepening racial awareness by engaging in sacred conversation, and to truthfully examining – then dismantling – the systems of privilege set in place by racism. It requires building God’s beloved community beyond racial divides. That is where true peace abides.

We in the national setting of the United Church of Christ stand in prayerful solidarity with the people of the St. Louis Association and the Missouri Mid-South Conference. We join you and all others who are advocating for justice and working for peace in Ferguson and the St. Louis area as well as in communities around our nation. We invite the whole United Church of Christ to do likewise.

Much more can and must be said on this topic. To that end, we are preparing a more extensive pastoral letter which will be issued during Advent. In the meantime, let us prayerfully face this moment of lost opportunity, seeking God’s gift of courage to continue the struggle. Therein lies our hope for the transformation of this society to a just society for all.

Peace and blessings,
The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President, United Church of Christ