Bishop's response

On Wednesday, April 21,The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Sixth Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, released the following statement:

“Today a jury found ex-Minneapolis Police Department Officer Derek Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for killing George Floyd last year.

“This verdict fills me with both grief and relief. It cannot give Mr. Floyd back his life. Nor does it completely restore faith in a justice system that has not held many other law enforcement officials accountable for the deaths of men and women of color in their custody. I believe that God desires a world in which my siblings of color no longer need to justly fear their interactions with police; and where police are able to recognize their shared humanity with those they are sworn to protect and serve.

“A unanimous jury has agreed that Mr. Floyd’s life did not need to be lost; that excessive violence is not protected by a badge of service; and that Mr. Floyd’s life mattered to each one of those jurors enough to convict Mr. Chauvin. In that, I find some relief.
"I ask you to join me in prayer:
"Pray for George Floyd; his family and friends.
"Pray for the city of Minneapolis.
"Pray for the jurors.
"Pray for those who testified at this trial; the attorneys, judge, and all in the court system that tried this case.
"Pray for those who are living in fear today, and grieving the loss of family and friends to police violence.
"I ask your prayers, too, for Mr. Chauvin and his family. He is a child of God, redeemed by the same Savior who has redeemed all of us through the sacrificial work of the cross and resurrection.”

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.