Belleville bishop supports protesters, condemns violence in statement on Floyd case
Bishop Edward K. Braxton of the Catholic Diocese of Belleville used a letter to priests, deacons and other leaders about plans for reopening churches in Southern Illinois to also comment on the American crisis caused by the death of George Floyd.
Both peaceful and violent protests have erupted in cities across the country since Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died May 25. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was holding him facedown on the street for nearly nine minutes with Chauvin’s knee across Floyd’s neck as Floyd repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe.”
Chauvin, who is white, was later fired and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The Minneapolis StarTribune reported Wednesday afternoon that Attorney General Keith Ellison had elevated the murder charge to second degree.
Braxton, 75, who is black, has extensively studied and taught on the subject of the U.S. racial divide and race relations. In his letter Wednesday morning, he referred to Floyd’s death as a “brutal murder,” expressed support for peaceful protests and condemned those that turned violent.
Here is the portion of Braxton’s letter related to the Floyd case:
“It has been my custom for many years to greet you with the words, ‘May the Peace of Christ be with you!’ These words have never been more heartfelt as our nation continues to struggle with the deadly coronavirus pandemic which has brought pain, suffering, death, and financial losses to so many.
“Added to that is the brutal murder of Mr. George Floyd by a former police officer, Derek Chauvin. Now, the justifiable, peaceful demonstrations concerning the painful Racial Divide in this country are being undermined by the nation-wide destructive civil unrest that has cost more innocent lives, destroyed needed neighborhood businesses, and turned the attention of the nation away from Mr. Floyd’s death and the concerns of non-violent demonstrators.
“The crisis has been exacerbated by the rhetoric of some elected officials and some extremist groups. Representatives of the media have not only informed us but also have, at times, reinforced various biases.
“I share your anxiety, concern, and bewilderment in the face of this sad and volatile situation. Let us pray that St. Charles Lwanga and his Ugandan companions, who were brutally martyred, will intercede for us and for the United States before the Prince of Peace.
“When we participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, we are fed on the Body and Blood of Christ. This is more than spiritual food that fills us with grace. It is nourishment that calls us to conversion to live by Christ’s Law of Love of God and neighbor, and work with sincere hearts for healing all forms of strife and conflict in our communities.”
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 7:50 PM.
