The members of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Vancouver could not bear staying silent after watching events unfold this past week in Ferguson, Missouri. After worship, many of them gathered on the front steps of their sanctuary to join with faith communities across the nation in showing their solidarity with those seeking justice after the killing of Michael Brown by a police officer. Members stood with their hands raised above their heads in what protestors have turned into a symbolic way of evoking “Don’t shoot! I’m unarmed!”
Earlier in the week a call had circulated to encourage faith communities to act in this way as part of a push for answers and for justice. The Rev. Brooks Berndt saw how the call could have a broader impact as well. “This is a matter of national concern with local implications,” said Berndt. “It raises a number of important issues about racism and the militarization of our police. Every community in this country should be discussing and acting upon these issues.”
Berndt also noted that the killing of Michael Brown has particular meaning for him as a Christian. “Jesus was executed by the government of his time,” he said. “It is hard for me to truly live my faith without thinking about those killed by representatives of our own government today.”
This story was covered by the Portland ABC affiliate KATU. Our church action and the picture shown above were also part of an article written by the national offices of the UCC.