J. Herbert Nelson’s Response to Killings of African American Boys and Men

In the wake of the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014, confusion, anger and national soul-searching has marked succeeding weeks. A prayer vigil turned violent, police in Ferguson continued to skirmish with protesters, and dozens have been arrested. News media have begun to examine the issue of police shootings nationwide, and to examine the statistics and circumstances. Many observers, including faith communities, are questioning the killing of an unarmed man and raising the issues of police brutality, racial profiling and racial injustice. Read J. Herbert Nelson’s response. Rev. Nelson is director of the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness.