#baltimore -Clergy march against violence- inspiring video and links to more info

From Rev. John Vaughn and Isaac Luria at Groundswell:

Our hearts beat for Baltimore this week as the city and the nation react to the horrific death of Freddie Gray in police custody.

While we’ve been sickened yet again by the interlocking plagues of poverty, inequality, racism, police brutality, and criminal injustice, we saw a video this week from the ground in Baltimore that raised our spirits:

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At the height of the protests this week, hundreds of Baltimore clergy linked arms to stand between the militarized police and the protesters, telling a reporter:

“There has been a State of Emergency way before tonight in Baltimore City, an emergency in poverty, lack of jobs [and] disenfranchisement from the political process.”

We hope you’ll consider sharing the video as an example of the prophetic calling of our faith traditions to be on the front lines with the suffering, and to speak out and condemn injustice.

If you’re looking for more insight and inspiration, here are articles from faith leaders in Baltimore and around the country that help us mourn and chart a way forward.

Baltimore Clergy Rev. Heber Brown interview with the Huffington Post, where he says that “Our Best Sermon Right Now Is Not Anything We Say, But What We Do.”

The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis writes about attending the multifaith service outside the Supreme Court in support of marriage equality, and linking that struggle to the one for racial justice.

Rev. Brian McLaren talks about his personal experience in Baltimore as a pastor walking the streets with another pastor a number of years ago.

MoveOn and ColorOfChange have collaborated to create a website that collects voices from on the ground in Baltimore. As they state, “Instead of relying on major news networks for news and commentary, MoveOn and ColorOfChange are teaming up to help amplify the voices of local activists, organizers, and residents.” Check it out here.

In faith,

Rev. John Vaughn
Executive Vice President
Auburn Seminary

Isaac Luria
Groundswell