Dear Westside Church Family,

"For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face." Psalm 11:7

We know both the trial and recent verdict in the Derek Chauvin case has brought deep emotion, consternation, reflection and relief among many here on the Westside.   As part of a global fellowship we are in unity with our ICOC SCUAD (Social Cultural, Unity and Diversity Team) response to the recent Chauvin Verdict from Disciples Today(see below). 

Disciples Today: ICOC SCUAD • Apr 20, 2021
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” – Proverbs 21:15

When George Floyd’s life was taken by Derek Chauvin last summer many in our nation were outraged, deeply saddened, and immediately called for justice to be done. A small glimpse into what justice can look like was illustrated when a Minneapolis jury recently found Chauvin guilty on all three counts, including second and third-degree murder. While the verdict does not bring Mr. Floyd back to his family and may not even take on everyone’s idea of justice, it is symbolic of a dire need (and push) for social change.

Those of us who have mourned the loss, or felt the sting, of very public acts of racism against Black people in our nation may find some hope in this result. However, we also realize that this is not about individuals, but a larger systemic issue. Let us continue to amplify the voices and experiences of those who are marginalized in the same way that Jesus would. We will not be silent in this ongoing battle, and with God’s help we will see his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Let us continue to pray for healing in our nation. We will be holding a virtual prayer vigil on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 9pm EDT on Zoom. Information about the vigil will be posted soon on Disciples Today. 

Westside Staff, Eldership and KIT