Let’s give thanks for law enforcement officers,
first responders who serve our communities

By Bishop Robert J. Brennan

The acts of violence directed at law enforcement, including the tragic death of Police Officer Anthony Dia in Toledo on the Fourth of July, the shooting of Franklin County sheriff’s  deputies on July 21, and many other instances throughout our nation are stark reminders to everyone of the risks our police officers and first responders make every day for the public’s safety and well-being. 

In the midst of so much hostility and violence these days, it is all the more essential for us to consider with gratitude their courageous and generous service.  We cannot understate nor ignore the horrific murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, nor the baffling inaction of other officers who stood by. Neither can we understate or ignore the challenges that all first responders ace in our communities while working each day to keep us safe – every single person.

In my recent travels, I can honestly say I have not encountered a single officer who does not condemn in the strongest terms this violent killing and the great injury this act has done to our communities throughout the nation. By far, the vast majority of these men and women, our neighbors and relatives, care about their communities, want to serve with honor and respect and are willing each day to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the citizens entrusted to their care.  

Every human being and every human institution is always in need of self-examination, reflection and reform. This is fundamental to the human condition and the very hallmark of our system of governance. Humbly, I must say that we have seen the need for reform in our Church and we will always need to be vigilant. So, too, do we see this need in our police departments, as in every level of government, media and business.  

It is undoubtedly true that racism sadly exists within our society in ways both subtle and stark. The killing of George Floyd openly exposed these deep wounds to all of us. We must be mindful that these wounds date back generations. Horrible incidents, such as George Floyd’s death, the shootings at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, or other innumerable thoughtless, brutal and horrific events of the past continue to rub these wounds raw. The truth is, as Bishop James Griffin said in his 1998 letter on racism, only through honesty with ourselves and only with that honesty can we see all of the places where we can grow in terms of our attitudes and awareness.

Any reform, however, should never place first responders or the communities they serve under greater risk for harm. As brothers and sisters in the faith, we are taught that the path to authentic reform begins with a profound respect for the dignity of every human person, as we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Jesus puts it more directly, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” Racism, pre-judgment, prejudice, violence and destruction run counter to this command, and Christ’s teachings must be at the very cornerstone of our efforts for effective and lasting reforms.  

The reality of violence is far too prevalent in our community. Some recent local statistics reported by The Columbus Dispatch sadly demonstrate this reality. The city of Columbus saw 104 homicides in 2019, an average of two a week. Of these, 80 percent were the result of gunshots. More than half (58 of the 104) of those killed were African American men. More than 70 percent were between the ages of 18 and 35. Our combined energies to address, reduce and end all hatred and violence are not only imperative, but should be a high priority for all people.  

Equally important on this path is a genuine and sincere commitment to listen to one another. We must continually strive to understand the wounds and burdens carried by our brothers and sisters. It is through this listening and empathy – with gratitude, respect, and encouragement – that we can begin to embrace Christ’s healing power and not give in to the impulse to tear apart all that is good and right in our society. 

In these turbulent times, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all law enforcement officers and first responders in the 23 counties that comprise the Diocese of Columbus. It is my hope that together, we can find the pathway to seek the common good and allow it to inspire in us a sincere commitment to devote our time and energy to end violence and hatred in all of its ugly forms and, in doing so, to build up the lives of one another and of our communities.