Thursday, March 28, 2024

Faith and hope offered in aftermath of Dallas police shootings

Image: Argyle United Methodist Church
Image: Argyle United Methodist Church

By Michael Watts III, Special NDG Contributor

Friday night, Dallas and national faith leaders hosted an emergency summit to address the recent shooting tragedies. Speakers included rabbis, priests, bishops, pastors and reverends offered healing words to both sides of a hurting country. Concord Church, where Pastor Bryan L. Carter serves as the leader, was the site of the event. 

Pastor Carter opened with prayer and stated, “We can agree that this has been a hard week for all of us. Our young black men don’t feel safe; our police don’t feel safe. The church is the hope of the world. We must stand up and do what God is calling us to do.”

The theme of the night was, “Together we stand, addressing the issues of today with the hope of tomorrow.” The recent shootings and deaths at the hands of police sparked national and international outrage and protests. Specifically the deaths this week of Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philando Castile of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Around the country, many joined in peaceful protests, including Dallas. Unfortunately, as the rally ended, a shooter attacked police officers killing five, wounding seven others and a protester caught in the crossfire.

The faith leaders in attendance reflected the diversity of the city. They included Dr. Michael Bowie, Jr. of St. Luke “Community” UMC, Jeff Warren of Park Cities Baptist Church, Freddie Haynes of Friendship West Baptist Church, George Mason of Wilshire Baptist Church. Also, Todd Wagner of Watermark Community Church and Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.

The primary focus was grief, unity and healing, with Gospel music set the tone for the occasion. The special appearances by gospel recording artists Kirk Franklin and Tamela Mann were spiritually uplifting for the audience. Many of those in attendance were in tears when Franklin sang Precious Lord Take My Hand.

 

Facing fear with faith and unity

Pastor Freddie Haynes addressed the spirit of fear the community is facing.

“We are living in dark days; fear is incredibly creeping in. God has a way of using evil and bringing God’s people together in unity,” he said. Pastor Haynes also referred to the rampant racism in this country and the need for the church to be a source of healing and hope of the world to unite as one.

“Thank the police for running to the problem instead of from the problem,” when the shooting erupted,” Dr. Tony Evans began.

He added, “Dallas is crying tonight, families are crying. Wherever there is evil, it heightens the importance of our relationship with God.” He encouraged everyone to loosen the shackles of racism and be led by God.

 

Bridging the differences through different viewpoints

Pastor Todd Wagner, the leader of Watermark Community Church, confessed he did not understand what was meant by “Black lives matter, because all lives matter,” until he had a discussion with a very close black friend. He was told to compare it to the lives of unborn children, who he feels so passionate about, to those that are living. This comparison provided a context to help Pastor Wagner gain an understanding.

Park Cities Baptist Church’s Pastor Jeff Warren commented that “Grieving is difficult, but must be done. Violence never brings peace and solves no social problems. It humiliates rather than promotes. Pain is expressed in anger and anger is an appropriate emotion. Be angry but do not sin.”

Dr. Michael Bowie, Jr., shared an analogy. Pointing out there is no, “Unity without humility. It took a tragedy to bring us together on one accord. We need to change this city and be about changing the world. We are the body of Christ and there are no big dogs, just anointed spiritual fleas.”

He then asked those in attendance to give a special love offering for the “Health, Hope and Healing of the families of the police who lost their lives,” in an attempt to assist with funerals.

 

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