NABCA Press Release – July 18, 2016

Birmingham, AL, July 18, 2016– The National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA) strongly condemns the continuing disproportionate use of excessive and deadly force against Black men and women by law enforcement and any attacks on law enforcement officers in the United States. Racial bias in law enforcement must be addressed and eliminated and we must speak and act against any harm being done to law enforcement officers.

Like many Americans, we are outraged at the recent events that have plagued the communities of Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are directly affected by these tragedies. We need to come together as a people of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, to not only put an end to this violence but to challenge the current laws on the books regarding excessive force.

• Invoke prayerful intercession to Saint Martin de Porres, Patron Saint of the Church for those seeking “racial harmony.”
• Besides being prayerful, we must be active. Activism ranging from writing letters to newspapers, politicians, economic activists, boycotts, rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins, etc.

We strongly condemn the vicious and brutal attacks on Dallas and Baton Rouge Law Enforcement. This is not the appropriate action to take as we seek to find common ground between law enforcement and communities.

Let us recall the words of Pope Francis, “May the God of peace arouse in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is overcome with peace.”