For Immediate Release: May 29, 2020
Contact: Lee Morrow, [email protected], 202-601-7871

NETWORK Lobby Decries the Murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police
Sr. Simone: “Violence is wrong, whether it is encouraged by the police or the President of the United States.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice released the following statement:

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice said:

“George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is another sinful and horrifying act of racism and police brutality in the United States. How many times have we said this should never happen again? Abuse of power by a white police officer has led to the death of another innocent Black man. My sympathy and prayers are with George Floyd’s family and friends, and with all who have lost a loved one as a result of white supremacy.

“Justice-seekers in Minneapolis and across the country are crying out for justice, yet their very lives are being threatened by violent policing tactics. Violence is wrong, whether it is encouraged by the police or the President of the United States. I pray with and for all who speak out against the sin of racism. I pray for their safety, for their precious lives. In these days of COVID-19, we have a heightened realization that our safety depends on each other. We have got to act in solidarity with care for all.

“NOW is the time to do this work. In allyship, this is especially true for those of us who are white. We have a responsibility to notice, educate ourselves, speak, and act to change the racist systems of oppression in our country. The apostle Paul is correct as he writes in the Second Letter to the Corinthians: Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’

“Let us act to end racism and violence now that we might know salvation.”

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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org