How Can We Heal After Ferguson?

By Rod Anderson, CP Cartoonist Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Prominent Christian leaders quickly issued statements and used social media to voice their concerns shortly after a St. Louis grand jury decision not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch announced the grand jury's findings during a Monday evening press conference at 9:22 p.m EST.

"The single antidote that will truly alleviate the tension and angst in Ferguson, Missouri, resides in the peace that only Christ can render," said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference/Conela. "The prophetic and conciliatory concept of 'Shalom' — a peace where nothing stands missing or broken — presents the prescription for a community divided by race and fear."

Rodriguez added: "In the wake of the long-awaited decision by a St. Louis County grand jury, we pray for peace. We plead for reconciliation. We yearn for all parties to recognize that both Michael Brown and officer Darren Wilson represent individuals created in the image of God. In the name of Jesus, we call upon the God that heals to enable truth, love, justice and forgiveness to silence the voices of hatred, division, strife and violence."