Posts from June 2020
Racial Equity at the Portland Police Bureau and Across America
“I Can’t Breathe” Michael J. MontgomerySt. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by members of the Minneapolis Police Department, demonstrations have been held throughout the world. All of these demonstrations include one major theme; “Black Lives Matter”. George Floyd, a forty seven year old African-America, was arrested on a charge of allegedly purchasing a pack of cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. During the arrest, Floyd’s hands were secured behind his back with a…
Statement Against Systemic Racial Violence
We believe that brown and black lives matter. In the face of ongoing persecution and lynching, God stands in solidarity with them. As Christians, we sing with Mary that our “Lord has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52). As followers of Jesus, a man of color executed by the state, we stand with God in solidarity with those who are oppressed. We stand troubled and emboldened by the Spirit, not just to cry out for justice but also to work for systemic change. God loves all; love requires us to practice justice so that we can live in a world where all can flourish without fear.
Background on Efforts to Reform Policing in Portland
Various organizations, including the Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, have been advocating for over a decade for concrete changes to the Portland Police Bureau contract. The current police contract expires in June 2020, with no replacement in place due to slow negotiations and delays from Covid-19.
Celebrate & Evaluate Our Actions Removing Barriers To Affordable Housing- June 10, 6:30pm!
WE’RE ALMOST THERE!Portland City Council Commissioners will vote on the first package of zoning code and map change amendments for removing barriers to the building of affordable housing on faith community land, Wednesday, June 10th at 11am.(Click here for council meeting link info) CELEBRATE & EVALUATEOUR COLLECTIVE WORK AND ACTIONSLEAVEN COMMUNITY COALITION COHORT GATHERINGJUNE 10, 20206:30-8 PMRegister to receive meeting link https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuc-qopz8iEtYrHQyxNC5_y207sfnqP3-J After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting fromCovenant Presbyterian Church Land and Housing Coalition Celebration Confirmation Search…