by Terry Smith
Vice President for Church Ministries
Polarization characterizes the current state of affairs in our nation, and it easily creeps into the church. We find ourselves in a cultural atmosphere that chooses either/or over both/and. In our effort to support our Black brothers and sisters by speaking out against inappropriate use of force by a few in law enforcement, and by raising awareness that changes need to be made on a macro level in our nation related to racial injustice, some people have interpreted what we’ve said or written to be statements of non-support for law enforcement in general. That is not at all the message we’re intending to send. While calling out for the correction of a problem with some in law enforcement, we stand in support of the majority of law enforcement officers who are dedicated public servants—who put their lives on the line day after day as they seek to protect their community. Those in law enforcement, hear us clearly: We need you and we deeply appreciate what you do.
We recognize that you and your families attend our Alliance churches. While your jobs are always stressful, we understand that stress has been ratcheted to an even higher level by recent events. You have become the targets of criticism and, in some cases, physical harm. We regret this. We sympathize with the reality that you are called on to make split-second life or death decisions – an unenviable position for anyone. We are sorry that you have been thrown into the same basket with those of your profession who have misused their authority. Please know that we are able to distinguish the difference. We hold you in high esteem and honor you for what you do.
To our Alliance churches, we would suggest that this season could well be a great time for you to reach out to and support the law enforcement officers and their families in your community. Some of you are already doing this and have been for years. You have taken a Sunday each year to honor first responders or you have a prayer ministry that is designed to support your local law enforcement department. We commend those who are doing this and encourage others to consider how your church might come alongside your local law enforcement department to be a blessing and support to them during this challenging time.
We also want to express our gratitude to those of you in The Alliance who serve as police chaplains. Perhaps there has never been a time when your ministry was more needed than right now. We realize that many of you carry out your chaplaincy ministry in addition to your normal pastoral work. You do it as a labor of love, as a service to the Lord and to your community. We honor you for all you are doing to provide emotional and spiritual support for law enforcement officers.
We continue to stand with our Black brothers and sisters with a commitment to use our influence to move our nation away from racial injustice, acknowledging that some reform in the way of law enforcement is carried out may be part of that. At the same time, we stand with our brothers and sisters of all ethnicities in law enforcement who are carrying out their calling with a heart of service, with care and respect for those they serve.