FROM STAFF REPORTS
Rev. Steve Shoemaker read the following statement during Saturday’s March for Solidarity in Statesville:
Statement on Racism and Healing By Clergy of Statesville and Iredell County – June 6, 2020
We, the clergy of different races and faiths, join this day to say that black lives matter to us and we commit to work together with new vigor to address the issues and realities of systemic racism and racial inequity which have been a plague throughout our history as a nation and community. There is no child of color in our community unaffected by these realities.
The tragic slaying of Breonna Taylor, the shocking death of Ahmaud Arberry while jogging and the most recent death of George Floyd, who died with a policeman’s knee on his neck while pleading for his life, have created a moment in time where we must begin to work across racial, religious and political lines to help alleviate the ways racism harms the people of our community. Every arena of our life together is touched by the harm racism brings. Our Scriptures tell us that justice and compassion are the ways to true peace and the true healing of our land and our community. This is what God is calling us toward, and we invite all citizens and leaders of our community to join us as we work for social change in all areas of our lives that can make our community a better place for all our children to live.
♦ Rev. James Brunson, First Baptist Church, Garfield Street
♦ Rev. David Comer, Retired Minister
♦ Rev. Mary John Dye, Senior Pastor, Broad Street United Methodist Church
♦ Rev. Dr. Nelson Granade, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Davie Avenue
♦ Rev. Maggie Hurst, Statesville
♦ Rev. Robert W. Lee, Senior Pastor, Unifour Church
♦ Beverly Maurice, President, Congregation Emanuel
♦ Rev. Brad Mullis, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church
♦ Rev. Steve Shoemaker, Grace Baptist Church
♦ Rev. Dr. Gary West, former Pastor, Grace Baptist Church, and Adjunct Lecturer, Mitchell Community College
♦ Rev. Carl Williams, Pastor, Indwelling Spirit Missionary Baptist Church
I love this and want to be a part of it. I’m so proud of Statesville that hundreds of people march together. All Races, all backgrounds, and so much more standing up for equality for everyone. To address police brutality is one of the many things that needs to be changed. It would be myopic just to look at that one thing. But working together, change can and will happen. In healthcare, in education, and salaries and jobs, and housing and so much more. We’ve got a lot of work to do and love to share.