The Clergy Against Racism (CAR) in Richmond, Virginia stands in solidarity against the brutal killing of unarmed African Americans at the hands of mostly white police officers or citizens. This dehumanizing treatment of African Americans is intolerable and must cease. During the last three months most Americans have been shaken by the racially motivated killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and most recently George Floyd.
Since 2015 CAR has sought to hold discussions on racism and sought out ways to bring our respective congregations together across interdenominational and racial lines. CAR was formed after the tragic murders of nine members at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC with hopes of finding ways of healing from the dreadful sin of racism.
We speak today out of pain and frustration as a group that is no longer willing to tolerate the inhumane treatment and loss of African American lives that have occurred for approximately four hundred years. After the unjust killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, we declare that enough is enough. While past legislation has too often bred racism, we absolutely stand for nonviolent action, justice and legislation that dismantles racism including voter rights, equal rights and equal opportunity for all people. May God help us to live in love instead of hatred with all humankind. We have this hope!
The Rev. Reuben J. Boyd, Jr., Pastor, Third Street Bethel AME Church
The Rev. Drew Willson, Pastor, Boulevard UMC on Broad, Minister to Young Adults, Centenary UMC
Joaquin Ross, Seminarian, Third Street Bethel AME Church
Marvin Daniel – Elder, Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond
The Rev. Dr. Alex Evans, Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church
Roger Gench, Theologian in Residence, Second Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
The Rev. Gary D. Jones, Rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Ben Campbell, Pastoral Associate, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Shay W. Auerbach, S.J., Pastor, Sacred Heart Church
The Rev. David A. Whitten, Pastor West Richmond Church of the Brethren
The Rev. Paul A. Coles, Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church
The Bishop Larry Branch, Love Center of Unity Full Gospel Church
The Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, Pastor, Hood Temple AME Zion Church
The Rev. Dr. Brent Melton, Rector, All Saints Episcopal Church
The Rev. Courtney Allen Crump, Senior Pastor, Grace Baptist Church
The Rev. Dr. Charles T. Dupree, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The Rev. Kathryn L. Pocalyko, Pastor, Lutheran Church of Our Saviour
