St. Louis archbishop pleads for peace in Ferguson

November 25, 2014

Violence flared in Ferguson, Missouri, after a grand jury decided not to indict a police officer who shot a teenager in August.

“I and other religious and civic leaders have repeatedly called for prayer, peace, and calm,” said Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis. “Since the grand jury received the case in August, we have seen offensive and violent outbursts by protesters, and acts of civil disobedience. Despite our calls for peace, which [shooting victim] Michael Brown’s family have echoed, we continue to see that segments of our community have not fully renounced the tendency to lash out with antagonistic behavior and violence.”

He added, “I implore each of you: Choose peace! Reject any false and empty hope that violence will solve problems. Violence only creates more violence. Let’s work for a better, stronger, more holy community-- one founded upon respect for each other, respect for life, and our shared responsibility for the common good.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Police cars, businesses on fire, "much worse than the worst night" in August, police chief says (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)