By Bishop Ann Svennungsen

Exodus 2:11: One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and saw their forced labour. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his kinsfolk. 

Growing up in a small Montana town, I could not imagine how the trial of a single police officer would provoke the attention and action of thousands across the globe. I grew up, a white child, thinking the system of policing was just, good, and served everyone equally.

Like the prophet Moses, I now see things I once ignored.

“I grew up, a white child, thinking the system of policing was just, good, and served everyone equally.”

“The policing system in our country was profoundly shaped by the racism used to justify slavery and genocide.” 

Reading The New Jim Crow or Just Mercy, watching the documentary 13th, or seeing the movie, The Hate You Give have been experiences akin to that of Moses seeing the forced labor and beatings of his people.

The policing system in our country was profoundly shaped by the racism used to justify slavery and genocide.     

If police officers aren’t held responsible for actions supported by systemic racism, there is little reason to hope that our call to dismantle systemic racism will be effective.

 

I HAVE LIVED FOR 65 years without needing to tell my children or grandchildren to fear the police. That has not been the experience of parents who are Black and Brown. I am humbled and grateful that BIPOC siblings have been open to sharing these heartbreaking stories with me. During the days and weeks of this trial, may we all take time to listen to parallel experiences. (You might start with the books and media listed above.)

And, while listening, ask: Is there any chance that – in our lifetimes – there could come a day when such conversations will not be necessary?  

“I have lived for 65 years without needing to tell my children or grandchildren to fear the police.”

That will only occur if police officers are held responsible for their actions supported by systemic racism.

During the days ahead, we pray, we listen to our BIPOC siblings, and we – like Moses – seek God’s guidance for how we are called to work towards God’s vision of justice and shalom.

 

*For a deeper understanding of the ELCA’s position on the importance of the criminal justice system and the need for reform, see The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries.