The Nativity Community grieves the death of Amir Locke. We stand with his grieving family and community.
Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man was killed by police as they entered an apartment. His tragic death was preventable. Dangerous policing policy and procedures need to be examined and changed to prevent future deaths.
You are invited to say his name aloud, Amir Locke, as we grieve with his family.
Say his name aloud as you pray for our community.
Say his name aloud as we seek solutions to genuinely serve and protect our communities.
In light of this tragedy, and in response to Nativity’s ongoing commitment to dismantling systemic racism, the Nativity Council and Staff, working with a Faith-Based Justice Consultant and Volunteer Leaders, agreed in the last week to begin a Public Ministry Department at Nativity. With the aim of increasing Nativity’s impact in the community and strengthening our commitment to justice, more information on this is to follow.
We also lament the rise of violence in our city and so many other cities. This has made policing more difficult and very complicated.
It is important for us to ask how we work together to keep our communities safe. And how we work together to build trust with our neighbors and police when BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of color) die far more often because of violence and policing practices.
As we ponder these questions, we remember that Jesus tells us, “Come to me all you who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” Rest is understood here as quiet strength, to grieve and to make changes.
Racial justice is the work of followers of Jesus. God’s dream is for all people to live as one great family, uniquely different but stronger together in a just and equitable community.
We welcome your grief, lament, prayers, response, concern, and feedback as we continue to venture into this work together.
Yours truly,
Pastors
Glenn Seefeldt
Ben Schori
and
Public Ministry Department
Kelly Sherman-Conroy
Kyle Soderberg