Interfaith Clergy Leaders Join in Speaking on Guilty Verdict in Chauvin Trial

April 20, 2021

NEW YORK—Following statements from Mayor de Blasio and First Lady McCray, interfaith leaders from across New York City joined in speaking on the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, calling for continued reform and peace:

"We are relieved that Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges for the brutal murder of George Floyd. As a network of diverse religious leaders working for a more racially just city we acknowledge that today’s verdict is just one step in the long journey to eradicating hate in our city, nation and world. We will continue to pray for the Floyd family and we will never stop working for bold policing reforms so that no one else is killed in a senseless act of violence,” said Minister Onleilove Chika Alston, Interfaith Center of New York.

"Justice has been served, but let's not stop here because there's a long road ahead to fight for justice for all Americans,” said Reverend Dr. Tony Baker Sr., St. Philips Baptist Church.

"To all the witnesses who stepped up and declared George Floyd's humanity, thank you,” said Reverend A.R. Bernard.

“Justice no longer delayed or denied is the only true righteousness of God and a nation,” said Dr. John H. Boyd II Senior Pastor, New Greater Bethel.

"I welcome the guilty verdict on all counts in the case of the trial of Derek Chauvin. And it is only the beginning of the work of criminal justice and police in reform in this country. We will continue to be inspired by the memory of George Floyd as we go about this work,” said Dr. Reverend Chloe Breyer.

“My sincerest prayers are offered up for the George Floyd Family and for all of the families across this Nation who have suffered greatly at the hands of Police Officers who egregiously undermined the prestige and trust couched in their badge and uniform. Today's verdict should not be looked upon as a blanket indictment of the Police Department USA. What it does establish for us is that there is no institution above reproach. The actions of Derek Chauvin have been condemned by law enforcement officers across this country because they do not reflect the oath that officers take to protect and serve. My prayers also go out for members of the force who are living out the oath they solemnly swore to uphold, but who have had their efforts stained by the likes of Chauvin who are unworthy of wearing the uniform. I pray that this moment will be pregnant with the potential for hope, healing, and the building of a sturdy bridge of understanding and trust between communities of color and the police. We need each other,” said Bishop Victor Brown, Senior Pastor, Mt. Sinai United Christian Church, Inc.

"Answered prayers. Millions have marched together and raised our voices seeking justice. We must continue to seek justice and reform our criminal justice system, so that we never have to face this kind of national trauma again,” said Reverend Jacques Andre DeGraff

“I cried when I heard the verdict.  Though the conviction won’t bring him back, I am truly grateful that the Floyd family can feel a sense of justice and accountability from a system that failed to provide it during his life. As MLK said, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ A new line has been drawn for our nation and we must continue to fight so it doesn’t blur,” said Reverend Dr. Que English, Pastor, Bronx Christian fellowship.

"I'm relieved this case is over and pleased the jury came back with a guilty verdict. This is Justice for George Floyd and I hope this will give his family some level of peace,” said Bishop Orlando Findlayter, New Hope Christian Fellowship.

"My heart was racing in anticipation of the verdict because I'm the mother of Black 21 year old man! After my tears of relief, I dried the tears understanding that this was not the justice we are still in search of, but the first step in accountability. The struggle continues," said Reverend Dr. Deborah D. Jenkins, Co-founder Daughters 4 Justice and Senior Pastor at Faith @ Work Christian Church (Coop City).

"The death of George Floyd prompted many to raise their voices for justice, including members of the African community. Today, Derek Chauvin was brought to justice for brutally killing George Floyd. No jury verdict will bring back George Floyd. But today’s verdict means there will be accountability and, I hope, a measure of healing, especially for George Floyd family. My thoughts and prayers are with the Floyd family. And I hope this verdict will lead to change," said Imam Souleymane Konate

"The Chauvin verdict is both a sign of relief and a call for reform. It took a video of 9 minutes of agonizing dying and a parade of fellow police officers to convict a guilty police officer. We can do better. I'm glad that the jury rose to the occasion,” said  Reverend Dr. Adolphous C. Lacey, Bethany Baptist Church.

“This is a pivotal moment in our nation.  Over the past year, many have experienced heightened anxiety and great distress as we awaited this moment. The repeated images of many unarmed black and brown men and women who were killed at the hands of law enforcement have caused great pain, distress, trauma, and even sparked many protests across the country. This verdict is a step towards justice.  We are reminded of the words of our late clergy colleague and civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, ‘the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.’ As we prepare to enter the summer, we pray that this verdict will mark the start of better community policing everywhere.  The GodSquad remains fully committed to work to improve the relationships with the NYPD and the community.  Let us also continue to do our part to build a world without violence, where all is treated equally with dignity and respect,” said Pastor Gil Monrose, President, 67th Precinct Clergy Council, The GodSquad.

"Today’s guilty verdict helps to renew our sense of hope as we experience a glimmer of justice. However, the “Duty of Care” that failed to preserve the life of George Floyd is a human responsibility necessary for the achievement of justice and equality for all of creation," said Reverend Dr. Debra P. Northern, Minister of Parish Care, The Riverside Church NYC

“I believe in justice and the jury system. And I think they both came together at this very difficult time in our country,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.

“Justice has been served,” said Pastor Eric Richmond.

“Today’s guilty verdict is an important step for justice for George Floyd, his family and for society as a whole. It will serve to alleviate some of the pain of not only George’s family but also that of the millions of protesters around the world,” said Pastor James Richmond, City of Refuge Church.

"I feel we've gained some justice for people of color, black men especially, and perhaps this is the change that our country so desperately needs,” said Reverend Dr. Patricia A. Sealy, New York Christian Times.

"As we honor the life and memory of George Floyd, we have to remember that our work is not over. Rather, it's just beginning. We can move forward by asking ourselves: Where do our systems keep failing us? What are we learning? And what are we willing to do today to ensure justice for all of us tomorrow." said Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh Coalition

“A satisfactory ending to a terrible tragedy. George Floyd is still dead. Disregard and destruction of black people, and so many others, still continues. Yet this verdict is a small sign of hope. Thank God!!! But our struggle to heal from enslavement and oppression continues. Our struggle for justice in this land continues. O Lord God, give us faith to persist, hope to work for permanent, change, and love to represent your Kingdom in the earth,” said Reverend Mark V Taylor, Church of the Open Door.

“Today’s conviction of Derek Chauvin is a historic moment. Yet, we know that one conviction does not erase the systemic racism and injustice endured in our Black and Brown communities. It does not ease our pain, nor does it soothe the grief of families still fighting for justice for loved ones lost to police brutality. This moment is an urgent and prophetic call to action in our nation, our state, and our city: to dismantle systemic injustice, create restorative systems that help and heal our communities, and expedite justice for families still waiting. As people of faith, we pray to see the arc of justice fulfilled in our Beloved City,” said Crystal Walthall, Executive Director, Faith in New York.

"This verdict is only the fruit of the tree but to reform and transform a system that was not meant to protect us we must all participate as one people to bring equality and reform to the NYPD,” said Reverend Waterman, Antioch Baptist Church / AACEO.