Great Concern. The recent cases highlighted in the news, are two more examples of the unequal application of justice in our nation, and the apparent lack of accountability and transparency of the mistreatment and unnecessary force, with tragic consequences, used by police against people of color.
Righteous Indignation. In these recent cases we see further evidence of racial profiling and stereotyping that defines black and brown persons as violent and dangerous and has placed a disproportionate number of them behind bars and taken the lives of many others. There seems to be an unwritten set of racially biased policies and harsh judicial processes that are applied to people of color, including Hispanic/Latinos.
Alarm. In spite of the advances that have been made in race relations in recent years, racism continues to be imbedded in the fabric of our society and negatively and tragically affecting persons of color by denying their human, civil, and legal rights.
We are encouraged by the recent mass protest marches across the nation that have rallied people of all segments of our society to request thorough and transparent investigations in the cases of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, and to demand a change of these unjust practices. We are also pleased that the Department of Justice has issued a set of regulations to avoid racial profiling of racial ethnic persons and urge all the state and local police to abide by them.
We are aware that there are many conscientious police officers across our nation who do their best to rightfully and fairly apply the laws even in difficult and dangerous situations. But, the lack of accountability and transparency in cases such as the ones of Michael Brown and Eric Garner indicates that much work needs to be done by local police departments to change the perceptions and practices of law enforcement officers.
Our Christian faith in its foundation affirms that all persons are created equal and in God’s image. Racism is a sin which need to be eradicated from our society and our world. We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in BMCR in their denunciation of these injustices and in their aspirations for a society based in justice and fairness for all. MARCHA commits itself to continue to advocate for the equal, just and fair treatment of all. To bear witness for justice and join with those who work for a society where everyone is valued and respected as a child of God and in which violent death as a result of repression will be no more.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth with injustice. . .” (Rom. 1: 18)
Contact Person: Bishop Elias Galvan, Executive Director 12/21/2014
Tel. 480-361-6484 / 480-643-0013