,

Responding to the Verdict in the Trial of Derek Chauvin

BY ISN STAFF | April 21, 2021

Yesterday’s verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin represents two steps forward: one toward accountability in policing and another in upholding the inherent dignity of all people.   Derek Chauvin statement

As a network rooted in Catholic tradition and the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we recognize the need to reflect—not only on this historic moment—but also on the ways that all of us are called to dismantle systemic racism, reimagine policing in our communities, and build a more just and equitable society.  

Today, our prayers are with the family of George Floyd, the Minneapolis community, and all who continue to be victimized and traumatized by the impacts of systemic racism and, in particular, a broken criminal justice system. We honor the work of the countless protesters, organizers, and advocates across the globe who answered and continue to answer the call and work tirelessly to leverage their voices for change. May we, as an Ignatian family, be steadfast in our continued work for justice.

Join the Ignatian family in prayer, education, and action for racial justice through the following resources:

5 replies
  1. Sharon Dowd Riccio
    Sharon Dowd Riccio says:

    Thank you for your article re the Verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Prayers for the FLOYD family. Two
    Issues I disagree with are a). I do not believe in systemic racism. Our country is not systemically racist. Hopefully this verdict will
    Bring much needed changes in the country with regard to racism, but our country is not systemically racist! b) there is no honor in the horrific riots, looting and burning that took place in our country this past summer and onward. Peaceful protests are welcomed and encouraged; however what we saw in the rioting, burning, looting and destruction of people’s property and businesses was a disgrace and those involved should be ashamed of themselves and held accountable for their horrendous actions. They should be in jail not let out as many prisoners have been. One last comment: those who incite rioting, as Maxine Waters did recently as she traveled to MN with police accompanying her (one who preaches defunding the police), should be held accountable also for her disgraceful actions! What happened to the promise of President Biden to bring us all together?? Thank you for allowing my thoughts and may God bless us all and bring His peace to our country. Let’s all move forward. This could be the opportunity to do so.
    Sharon Riccio

    Reply
    • Kathleen Dilg
      Kathleen Dilg says:

      I agree with you and I also hope that we are all encouraged to pray also for Derek Chauvin and his family who are also suffering. Maybe Sr Helen Prejean can visit Derek in jail.

      Reply
  2. Dr Eileen Quinn Knight
    Dr Eileen Quinn Knight says:

    In establishing social justice in our hearts, our minds and our society is an awesome endeavor. Dismantling systemic racism is possible by putting our energies there to change. What I notice in the ordinary is an observance of the needs of others. There were three schools in the cluster I was working with. The three schools were on different economic levels. I observed a class before the lunch so I would often go to lunch with that class. What I noticed is that the food in school one was different in quality from school two and school two was different from school three. The students in the schools were treated differently with regard to quality of the food. I brought it to the attention of my boss and I showed the difference in the quality for each school by the brands used and by the allowance of what some would call ‘junk’ food in the first school. I supplied maps and charts and those in charge changed the menu so that all three schools had good quality lunches. There were more vegetables offered and other options for the students and the cost for the three schools was merged so they all had the same monies available. We can make social justice issues work little by little so that equity can be realized by all.

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *