Guidelines for Area Clergy Regarding Community Responses to Police Shootings

Honor the Family of the Fallen

Those who choose violence are deliberately contradicting the wishes of the family who has suffered loss. Those who choose violence endanger the community. They are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

Open Your Doors

If your congregation has the resources, publicize and announce that you will be a safe place for people to gather and share their thoughts. Enable people to express their issues and concerns nonviolently. Encourage planning of nonviolent next steps such as vigils, teach-ins, and forums.

Support Calls for Justice

We are all responsible for one another, and we are obligated to bear witness to this solidarity, particularly in the face of injustice, persecution, or oppression. Affirm that persons of faith are called to speak to unjust situations and to make common cause with all people of good will to correct them.

Follow the Path of Peace

The inflation of power of some over others leads to a diminishment of the dignity and value of persons and communities, and the most egregious expression of this inflation of power is violence. People of faith are called to follow a path of peace. Amplify this message through your communications and your congregation’s committees and leadership.

Quash the Rumor Mill

Use the power and connections of your congregation to dispel and counteract rumors. Interrupt rumors with facts, time, and counter-narrative.

Connect with the Chicago Police Department

Contact your district Commander or local police liaison. Confirm whom you need to contact in case of concerns Ask for their emergency protocol and inform CPD of your congregation’s plans. Request and exchange emergency contacts/phone numbers.

Work to Build a More Just Chicago

We need both justice and peace to heal our city. Together we can renew our commitment to a Chicago that works for all of us.

Resource from: Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitian Chicago