A Show of Support for Our Neighbors of Color

Dear Friends,

I am happy to report that a number of our Buffalo clergy participated in a rally of more than 200 interfaith leaders this afternoon at City Hall in Buffalo to show their support for communities of color in the wake of several days of protests against police brutality.

“We prayed on our knees at City Hall and then marched to the holding center two blocks away to raise awareness of criminal justice and to show support for our Black and Brown members of the human family,” wrote the Very Rev. R. Derrick Fetz, dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, in an email. 

Buffalo Faith Leaders Gather at the Erie County Holding Center to show support for communities of color protesting police brutality. Photo credit: Jon F. Lavelle

The gathering, which began at noon, was organized by VOICE-Buffalo , a coalition of faith-based and community organizations. The Rev’d Peter Bridgford and St. John’s-Grace are founding members of VOICE Buffalo. Rev’d Bruce McKay, retired Pastor of Pilgrim St. Luke’s UCC wrote to VOICE Buffalo Faith leaders and staff:

It was for "such a time as this" that VOICE-Buffalo was created nearly 25 years ago!
The prophet Isaiah envisioned what it meant to truly worship -

"To loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke, 
to let the oppressed go free ,               
and to break every yoke." (58:6)
Only then can we be called "restorers of streets to live in." (58:12)

t was great to join you yesterday in worship!
With deep gratitude for the Spirit moving in our midst,

Bruce

The contingent of Episcopal clergy included Very Rev. R. Derrick Fetz; the Rev. Matt Lincoln of Trinity, Buffalo who chairs the diocese’s Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination; the Rev. Ellen Brauza of St. Andrew’s, Buffalo; the Rev. Deacon Susan Firestine; the Rev. Harry Grace, director of fund development for VOICE-Buffalo; the Rev. Michael Hadaway of Good Shepherd, Buffalo; the Rev. Elizabeth Hadaway of St. Peter’s, Westfield; the Rev. Steve Lane of St. Philip’s, Buffalo; the Rev. Deacon Diana Leiker of St. James, Batavia; the Rev. Jon Lavelle, St. John’s-Grace, Buffalo; and the Rev. Deacon Rosey Nogle.

Watch the WGRZ-TV report on the gathering .