Forgive us, for we know not what we do

“Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they are doing.”  Even on the cross, Jesus pleaded with God to show mercy and compassion toward the stewards of creation because of our short-sightedness and inability to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I believe Jesus still intercedes for us with these same words from time to time when our broken systems perpetuate unjust structures.
On Monday we learned that Darren Wilson, a police officer in Ferguson, MO, will not be indicted in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown.  I will admit I am torn about this conclusion.  I do not know all the evidence that the grand jury was presented with, nor do I know all of the particulars about this case.  But my heart aches for a community torn apart by violence and oppression.  While I want to believe that Office Wilson acted as needed in order to protect himself and the community, I can’t accept that no one will be held accountable for an unarmed young man’s death. Forgive us, Michael, for we know not what we are doing.
As a white woman, I cannot truly connect with the anger and frustration felt by members of the Ferguson community.  I do stand in solidarity with those who believe justice has been left undone and choose to stand up and protest.  I also feel that it is not enough, which it isn’t, but it is a start and much more productive than anarchy. 
How do we change a justice and legal system that seems impenetrable to recognizing its inherent racism? People far smarter than I have been asking this question for over 100 years.  I think the hope many had was that IF Office Wilson was indicted - even for involuntary man slaughter - the system would show some movement of recognizing that it cannot act as if it won’t be held accountable.  That did not happen, so many people once again feel that they have been ignored by the very system that is supposed to work for them.  Some respond by lashing out against the system (rioting, looting) and others, once again, look for ways to make real change happen.
Michael’s family is demonstrating true grace by making public statements asking for peaceful protests and a law that would require the police to wear recording cameras so their actions are documented. This is one way to have (hopefully) true accountability of police actions.   There must also be a commitment by all citizens at every level of society to be willing to admit the racism in a system and work to change it with honesty and openness.  This is difficult, painful work, but it is never going to get any easier, so we might as well start know.
As we gather with friends and family this week for a national day of thanksgiving, we should give thanks for the ideals that make our country great.  We should also lament that not everyone has the same access to those ideals and dedicate ourselves toward changing that reality.
Forgive us Michael, and help us to know what we are doing to honor your memory, though Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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