Justice Demands Accountability

As a Christian, I believe we are all made in the image of God — and that means every life matters.

At this time in our history though, our justice system and cultural surroundings keep drumming a different message. It’s like in Orwell’s Animal Farm: Some of us are more equal than others. I agree there are lots of injustices in this world, but right now, the heaviest burden of justice misplaced is on young, black males.

In my lifetime, I have experienced both the Civil Rights Movement and the gutting of the Civil Rights Act by our Supreme Court. I have experienced our nation both as a beacon of hope in the world, and becoming greedier and meaner and more xenophobic. I experience these cultural changes as evil because of my faith. That is why I must say, black lives matter.

Returning to the roots of our faith, and admitting our participation in the practice of this evil, will lead to new levels of accountability for police officers and for us all. Justice will follow.