Call For Prayer and Peace Following Lyoya’s Shooting
The Executive Director of the Christian Reformed Church in North America says the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya by Grand Rapids police has hit him hard.Once again, a routine traffic stop ended with the tragic death of yet another young, Black man," said Colin P. Watson, Sr. "This time, though, the community is Grand Rapids, Mich. This is my community — a community that is home to many Christian Reformed congregations and members; a community where the CRC's denominational ministries are housed and many staff members live; a community that many believed to be more safe, more idyllic, and more crime-free than some others that have been in the news lately.
"The reality of Patrick Lyoya's death hit me hard. Like me, Mr. Lyoya was an immigrant, whose family sought a better life in the United States of America. Like me, he found a home in Grand Rapids. His shooting underscores the fact that these tragedies can happen anywhere to any of us."
Watson said believers are called to take their concerns and anguish to God.
"So I find myself asking all of you to join me in lament and prayer as we, together, seek God's shalom and justice in this difficult time. Let us pray for the family of Patrick Lyoya, the officer involved in his killing, the officer's family, and for all others who are affected by this seemingly senseless and unnecessary death," said Watson. "Let us pray for the community of Grand Rapids and its leaders. Let us pray for all other cities and communities that are similarly affected by police violence and racial injustice — throughout the United States and Canada. Let us pray for peace and justice to prevail in this time of turmoil and unrest.
