A Place to Gather When Kerrick Trial Verdict is Announced

Restore us again, O God of our salvation …. Psalm 85

Dear Caldwell,

As many of you know, this is the third day of jury deliberations in the trial of CMPD Officer Randall Kerrick. A group of Charlotte pastors focused on justice has organized a way for our city to bear witness at various houses of faith to both peace and justice in the wake of a verdict annoucement.

1. At 6:30 on the evening of the day a verdict is announced, Caldwell members are invited to attend a vigil and gathering at Little Rock AME Zion Church, 401 N. McDowell St. This is our chance to be present with those who may be hurting, to pray for God’s hand to be on our city and guide our steps toward peace, justice and reconcilliation.  I am grateful to my colleague Rev. Dr. Dwayne Walker for his gracious reception of this idea and for welcoming our members, and those of other nearby churches, at what may be a povotal moment for our community.

2. The day after a verdict is announced, preliminary plans call for a march of unity uptown in the name of peace, mutual understanding and healing. Details TBD.

Here at Caldwell, we will continue to think about how we can come together as a church family to discuss any outcomes of the trial.

I am sure I join you all in praying for both justice to be done, as God defines it, and for peace to prevail in our city as we process whatever the courts decide.

In Christ,

John