(Reaction to the decision of the Grand Jury not to indict in the case of the killing of Michael Brown)

The Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Cyprus, 21-26 November 2014, learned with deep concern of the developments in the United States of America following the Grand Jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the killing of Michael Brown. We are particularly alarmed by the renewed violence experienced in the city of Ferguson, Missouri and the risks this poses to lives and livelihoods.

The WCC Executive Committee welcomes and supports the statement of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCCUSA) and together with them reiterates a call in this time of serious tension for the city of Ferguson that its citizens, law enforcement officials, justice-seekers, and others respond in a non-violent manner. We also join the NCCCUSA in expressing appreciation to the churches and faith communities in St Louis, Missouri who have declared themselves to be “sanctuary churches” and “sacred spaces.”

The WCC Executive Committee believes that the current situation in Missouri underlines the deep-rooted problems of race relations and racial profiling in the United States of America. We stress that the human dignity of everyone must be respected regardless of race, ethnicity, or culture, and the critical importance of justice being seen to be done.

The Executive Committee hopes and prays that churches and faith communities throughout the United States of America will continue their role as peace-makers and fulfil their ministries of reconciliation during these difficult times.