The gun violence this week is unbelievable. Unnecessary killings. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Many more unreported shootings. And now, 5 Dallas law enforcement officers are dead and 7 more injured. As Black Lives Matter protesters and others were peacefully gathering in Dallas and other cities around the country, an individual (or individuals) decided to take wrongful action with gun violence. The main target? White police officers.
Our police officers need our prayers. Victims of this violent crime need our prayers. However, not everyone shares such thoughtful compassion.
In time of violence, trauma, racial tension, and death, I’m shocked and appalled at some of the responses – the insensitive responses. One such response comes from radio host and former U.S. Congressman Joe Walsh who tweeted:
Then, Walsh deleted that tweet, perhaps sensing he went too far, and posted:
What’s appalling about Walsh’s words is that he has a national radio show, a large internet presence, and tens of thousands of Twitter followers who all agree, sympathize, or actively listen to his message. Take note at the time stamps, likes, and retreets. As the news of the Dallas shooting was breaking, Walsh’s first response to blame, criticize, and create more injury with his rhetoric and divisive words. In turn, people believe the rhetoric. There is a racial tone that undergirds such talk.
As Christians, we need to reject such dangerous and hurtful rhetoric.
When white Evangelicals were asked in 2015 if recent police violence and killings were racially motivated, 59% said the police killings were isolated events. In contrast, with a minority of 39% of all Americans who said recent violence was not racially motivated. What’s troubling about such perception is the reality of how race places a role in targeting crime. A 2015 Department of Justice study found that police searched black drivers more often, but finding more illegal contraband among white drivers.
White Christians and white churches need to stop, reflect, and pray specially for:
- How to approach black churches and non-white churches in order to listen to their concerns
- How to ask the right questions of themselves and others
- How to utilize current resources to enact positive change
- How to connect with other groups and churches who are already doing the work of racial reconciliation
- How to partner with law enforcement to build communication and community engagement
- How to structure their ministries so that there can be meaningful action
- How to study the scriptures to see God’s call to lift up, protect, and support the oppressed
- How to create safe spaces to discuss topics of race, crime, and violence
- How to offer radical hospitality to those who have been affected by violence
- How to mobilize missional church behavior to address racial tension
- How to respond to racial discrimination that is spoken and unspoken in our churches and communities
- How to build ministries to support law enforcement departments in care and service
In addition for prayers for the victims and officers of the Dallas shooting, churches and Christians need to move to action steps so that violence does not have to visit their city, town, or community. And if violence does visit their communities, churches and Christians will have relationships and ministries in place to respond with actions of love, compassion, and grace.
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