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Statement of Support for the Martin Family and Call for Just Prosecution

On behalf of our churches, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Trayvon Martin. The promise of his young life in no way deserved to be ended by a gunshot within sight of his father’s front door on February 26, 2012. We pray for the family’s peace of mind in knowing of the love of God which surpasses death and for justice to be pursued in this tragic mishap so that it does not happen to another family anywhere in Florida.

Trayvon’s death was unwarranted. Florida should be a place where a person of any color can walk in a neighborhood without fear of violence or being presumed a suspicious threat. Florida should be a place where the use of deadly force is rare and uncommon. Florida should also be a place where the misuse of deadly force is not tolerated.

We call upon law enforcement in Sanford to pursue justice in this matter with deliberate effectiveness. The investigation into Trayvon Martin’s death should proceed swiftly without racial bias so that the matter is not continually tried in the media. The Martin family and the community at large need protection from vigilantism and assurance that Florida’s streets are open to all people without respect to the color of their skin. We call upon Sanford authorities to take actions that demonstrate both racial fairness and concern for the safety of the community.

 

Rev. Kent J. Siladi, Conference Minister, United Church of Christ in Florida
Bishop Leo Frade, Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
Archdeacon J. Fritz Bazin, Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
Bishop Chuck Leigh, Apostolic Catholic Church
Bishop Edward R. Benoway, Florida-Bahamas Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Timothy Whitaker, Florida Area Resident Bishop, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Willie Israel, Moravian Church Southern Province, Florida District
Rev. Dr. Paige McRight, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Central Florida, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Dustin Lemke, Quaker Representative, Society of Friends (SEYM)
Presiding Bishop James E. McCoy, Alabama/Florida Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Robert Watkins, Florida Mission Center President, Community of Christ
Fr. Richard Doscher, Ecumenical Representative, Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida
Rev. W. Harvey Jenkins, Executive Presbyter (Retired), Presbyterian Church (USA)

Martha R. Beach, District Executive Minister, Church of the Brethren
Rev. Juan Rodriguez, Regional Minister, Christian Church in Florida (Disciples of Christ)
Bishop McKinley Young, 11th District, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Raymond Johnson, Ph. D., Coordinator, Cooperative Baptist Fellowhip of Florida

Issued March 21, 2012.

Other Faith Leaders may join the statement by completing the form below.  The list is updated several times throughout the day, as we are able. If your name has not appeared within 24 hours, please contact us. Questions? Contact the Rev. Russell Meyer.

235 signatures as of April 2, 2012.

 

Rev. Russell L. Meyer Executive Director, Florida Council of Churches
Abdul Karim Ali Chairman, Tampa Bay Area Muslim Association, Inc.
Alex Becker Seminary Student
Bishop H. M. Beesley Retired – Church of God, Cleveland, TN.
Cheryl Stuart Vice President, Florida-Bahamas Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Connie Schmucker Associate in Ministry, ELCA
Dr. Robert E. Palin Interim Minister, Faith United Church of Christ, Dunedin
Dr. Ronald M. Patterson Sr. Minister, Naples United Church of Christ
Dr. Sherie A. Lindamood Worship Minister, First Congregational Church of Winter Park
Fred & Tienka Fourie Minister
Glennyce Grindstaff Ordained Pastor of the United Church of Christ
Harlan Johnson Member, Emmanuel Lutheran, Rockford, IL & board of EALA
Imam Askia Muhammad Aquil President, Muslim American Criminal Justice Association, Inc.
Martha R. Beach District Executive Minister, Church of the Brethren
Mary E Nutter layperson
MKGrindstaff CrossRoads UCC Melbourne
Pastor Donna Cooney United Church of Christ of St. Augustine
Pastor Jacques Mervil Shalom Center Ministry  United Church of Christ Jacksonville FL
Phil Garrison Pastor, St. Andrew United Church of Christ, Sarasota
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi Senior Minister, Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater
Rev. Andrew Tengwall Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Savior, Kalamazoo MI / Vice President, European-American Lutheran Association
Rev. Brenda E. Adcock Pastor, University Congregational Church of Orlando
Rev. Bryan G. Fulwider Sr. Minister, First Congregational Church of Winter Park
Rev. Catherine L. Alder Pastor of Christ’s Way Church, Portland, Oregon
Rev. Catherine O’Connell Associate Pastor, Naples United Church of Christ
Rev. Charles L. Nichols Palliative Care Chaplain, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dale A. Hempen Retired United Church of Christ clergy
Rev. Dianne Hudder Clergy, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Bill Wealand Disaster Ministry Coordinator, Florida Conference United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. David R. Pitt Chaplain  All Children’s Hospital
Rev. Dr. Jim Boler United Church of Christ retired clergy
Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner Senior Pastor, Coral Gables United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Raymond Hargrove Florida Conference United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Robert D. Sichta Senior Pastor, Congregational UCC, Bradenton, FL
Rev. Dr. Robert Melhorn Pastor, Altamonte Chapel
Rev. Dr. Sharon G. Austin South Central District Superintendent, FL Conference, The United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Sheila Guillaume Union Congregational, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. William B. Trexler Former Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA
Rev. George Miller Pastor, Emmanuel United Church of Christ
Rev. James A. Langdoc Pastor, United Church of Christ, Holiday, FL.
Rev. Jill Job Saxby Executive Director, Maine Council of Churches
Rev. Jim Rapp Pastor, Church of the Isles UCC, Indian Rocks Beach
Rev. John S. Hillmer Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Tampa
Rev. Karen Curtis-Weakley Pastor, New Hope United Church of Christ
Rev. Leigh McCaffrey Interim Pastor, United Church of Christ
Rev. Linda D. Girouex Pastor, Riverside United Church of Christ, Jacksonville, FL
Rev. Lynn Fonfara Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, Citrus Springs, Florida
Rev. Mardie J. Chapman Board Certified Chaplain, United Church of Christ
Rev. Mark I. Hamilton Pastor, New Port Richey, FL
Rev. Nancy Prout Chaplain, Good Shepherd Hospice
Rev. Phyllis Parthemer Co Pastor Union Congregational UCC West Palm Beach
Rev. Sandra Jones Pastor/Mission Developer, Iglesia Luterana Manantial de Vida
Rev. Steve Heath Pastor, Union Congregational UCC, Holly Hill
Rev. Timothy S. Smiley United Methodist Church
Sandy Cencebaugh Licensed Minister, 1st UCC Hollywood, Florida
Paul Werner Licensed Minister, First United Church of Tampa
Rev. Fred Thomas-Breitfeld Pastor, Jackson Park Lutheran, Milwaukee, WI
Jean Simpson United Church of Christ
Deacon Beverly Slaughterbeck Deacon/Worship/Christian Education Lutheran Church of the Holy Cross
Susan E. Myers RN liberal
David Dick United Church Of Gainesville
Marsha Ruff Member, First Christian Church, Ocala
Saeed Khan Muslim, Layperson
Rev. Ashley B. Nicolls ELCA
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Boudon Pastor, St. James Lutheran Church, Coral Gables, Fl
Danette Braun Parish Administrator, Kingo Lutheran Church, Shorewood, Wi
Rev. Warren Williams Sr. Pastor – Atonement Lutheran Church, Racine, Wi
Pr. Michael Vinson ELCA Pastor
Rev. Justin Dittrich Pastor, Nativity Lutheran Church Mpls Mn
Rev Lura N. Groen Grace Ev Lutheran Church, ELCA
Rev. Diane Roth Lutheran Minister
Rev. Jay M. Carlson Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church In America
Revd Jonathon Moyers Priest In The Old Catholic Tradition
Rev. Jonathan Niketh Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Lynn, Ma
Rev. Wanda Childs ELCA
Pastor Joelle Colville-Hanson Pastor, ELCA
Rev. Angela Shannon ELCA Rostered Pastor
Rev. Aimee Appell Pastor, Peace Lutheran Church
Rev. Robert C. Brown Pastor, Coronado Community UMC, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Rev. Dr. Paula Hepola-Anderson Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church In America
Josephine Posillico UCC
The Rev. Angela Khabeb Pastor
The Rev. Chris Duckworth Senior Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Saint Paul, Mn
Rev. John Longworth Ecumenical Representative for New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sarah Olson member, Cross Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI
The Rev. Brian E. Klawiter-Benton pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Tom Brenner UCC Minister
Pastor Pamela Mason Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Denver CO
Rev. John Stiles Clergy
Angela Nelson ELCA Seminary Student
The Rev. James E. Boline Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Santa Monica, CA
Justin Thornburgh Seminarian, North Shore Baptist Church (American Baptist Churches-USA)
Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey Companion Synod Relations, Elca
Charles Brummond pastor in the Greater Milwaukee Synod–ELCA
Rev. Andrea L. Walker Pastor ELCA
Peder Hinderlie Lutheran
Marjorie Pagel Member, Whitnall Park Lutheran Church, Hales Corners ELCA
James Coffin Executive Director, Interfaith Council of Central Florida
Donald Gleiter Lutheran Vicar
Mark Schroeter organist, ELCA, Ascension Lutheran Church Milwaukee, WI
Dennis Schultz Associate in Ministry, Cedarburg, Wi.
Pastor James Erlandson Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, St. Paul, MN
Rev. Jason Korthauer Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Philip M. Kober, JD, MD, PhD member, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Monona, WI
Rev Glen A Sea Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Jeanette D. Leisk Associate Pastor, St. James Lutheran Church (ELCA), Gettysburg, PA
Yvette M. NewberryWhite Seminarian, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Sally L. Wilke Senior Seminarian, Candidate for Ordained Ministry, ELCA
Emily Ewing Seminarian at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Rev. Mona Fitch-Elliott Pastor
Rev. Dr. Michael Ryugen Moriarty  Zen Monk, Brevard Zen Center & Interfaith Council of Central Florida
Chris Honig ELCA Seminarian
Rev. Rochelle E. Lewis Pastor
Judith Roberts Director for Racial Justice, ELCA
Rev. Linda Orsen Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Eastmont, Pittsburgh, PA
Phyllis Fludd White Council President of Lamb of God Lutheran Church – Haines City, Fl.
Kendrah Fredricksen Lutheran (ELCA)
Rev. Susan M. Strouse Pastor, First United Lutheran, San Francisco
Pastor Barry Hoerz ELCA pastor, Mayville, WI
Rev. Kathy Schmitz Minister, First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Rev. Deborah Butler Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church, El Sobrante CA (ELCA)
Alicia Corley ELCA
Rev. Dr. Kathy Rooke UCC Pastor of Faith Family Community Church
Stephanie A. Walker Stradford Youth Achievers USA Institute, Faith-Based Public Charity
Elizabeth Flomo Member, Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill, St. Paul, MN
Rev. Jacquie Lewis Pastor – United Church of Christ,  Hospice chaplain
The Reverend Susan R. Masters Pastor, Bread of Life Deaf Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
Rev. Matthew Titus Pastor, All Saints Lutheran Church (ELCA), Mason, MI
Rev. Naomi Sorrwar-Randall ELCA Pastor
Chuck Ruehle Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Erin Martinson Clergy (ELCA)
Rev. James O’Reilly-Christensen Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church, (ELCA) Grafton, WI
Rev. Dr. Gary M. Simpson Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Kay M. MacDowell ELCA layperson
Rev. Jeffrey B. Ziegler Interim Pastor, SEPA Synod, ELCA
Rev. Dr. Richard Stewart Assoc. Prof. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, retired
Rev. Lee Ann M. Pomrenke Pastor, River of Life Lutheran, Minneapolis, MN
Rev. Ruth Jensen-Forbell Senior Pastor, FirstCoast Metropolitan Community Church, St. Augustine
Rev. Pam Northrup Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dr. Jim Merritt Pastor, Trinity Metropolitan Community Church of Gainesville
Rev. Lisa Heilig Interim Pastor, Joy Metropolitan Community Church Orlando
Rev. Dr. Nancy L. Wilson Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
Rev. Dr. Candace R. Shultis MCC
Rev. Susan Schneider Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Madison, WI
The Rev. Dr. Keith A. Spencer Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pembroke Pines, FL
Rev. Robert A. Franek Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA), Wataga, IL
Pastor Albert Starr,Jr. Program Director for African Descent Ministries ELCA
Bishop W. James Thomas, II General Overseer, The Apostolic Covenant of Churches International, Inc
Laura Hall-Schordje ELCA Seminarian
Rev. Priscilla Austin Pastor, Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, Phoneix, AZ
Rev. Mark Fischer Pastor at St. Martin Lutheran Church
Peggy Brockmann Mission Developer, Waterfront Community Church; Jersey City NJ
Pastors Janet Grill Lutheran Pastor
Pastors Keith Grill Lutheran Pastor
Rev. Thomas Terrell Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Chicago IL
Rev. Renwick J. Bell Pastor, Church of Our Savior, MCC
Timothy James Brown Reverend, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Joyce A. Miller ELCA pastor/hospital chaplain
Rev. Gary LaCroix Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Cape Coral, FL – ELCA
Rev Victoria Hamilton Co-Pastor, St. JohnELCA
Joyce Gulliford ELCA First Call Candidate
Martha H. Gardner Lay-Leader, Kelly’s Chapel UMC
The Rev. Fritz Wendt Assistant Pastor, St Paul’s, Bronx NY
Rev. Anne Roser Co-Pastor, Nativity Lutheran Church, North Conway NH
Carolyn Hellerich ELCA Interim minister, St. Paul, NE
Rev. Marie N. Duquette Clergy
Matthew Brockmeier Secretary, Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA
Rev. Jayne M. Thompson ELCA Campus Pastor, University Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, St. Cloud, MN
Rev. Beverly Duncan Assistant Minister, Naples UCC
Mozella G. Mitchell Pastor, Love of Christ A.M.E. Zion Church, Brandon, FL
The Rev. Kimberly S. Conway Pastor
Paul Bauman Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Pastor
Rev. Eunice Woodberry ELCA
Rev. Dr. Byron J. Grayson Pastor, St. Jude AME Church, Germantown, MD
Rev. Charley Garrison Pastor, Central Texas Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Chewee Hughley Minister in Standing
Rev. Dr. Damon Laaker Pastor, Grace Lutheran; Director, Lutheran Metro Ministry
Rev. Dianne M. Shaw Staff Pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of Portland
Rev. Erwin A. Lopez Local Pastor of the United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Fl
Rev.  Steven Torrence Pastor Metropolitan Community Church Key West
Tom Simmons Deacon, Seminarian
Rev. Dr. Randolph W.B. Becker Minister – One Island Family, the Southernmost Unitarian Universalist Congregation – Key West
Rev. Mark E. Reynolds United Methodist Minister
Rev. Dr. Renee DuBose Pastor – Our Hope Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Peter Trabaris Member, North Central Network Team, Metropolitan Community Churches
Presiding Elder C. Jessel Strong African Methodist Episcopal
Rev. Carol Chambers Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
Rev. Dexter Brecht Pastor
Rev. Pat Farnan Resurrection MCC, Houston, TX
Rev. John Ransom Ecumenical Liaison, State of Florida, MCC
Rev. Jon Haack Senior Pastor, Promise Metropolitan Community Church, Dallas, TX
Rev. Dr. Robin H. Gorsline Pastor
Charles Malllicote Florida Sonrise Emmaus Community
Rev. Dr. Sherman G. Hicks Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dr. Beverly Wallace, Ph.D. Seminary Professor
Rev. Jeffrey B Kantz Pastor – FUMC Lake Wales
Rev. Km Uchimura United Methodist Pastor
Rev. David W. Schoob Pastor Trinity Lutheran Church West Bend, WI
Rev. Sue H. Corley United Methodist Clergy, Florida Conference
Rev. Michael Diaz Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Guido Benazet United Methodist Church
Rev. Angel Christ United Methodist Church
Rev. Debbie Moss Minister, Unity of Tampa
Rev. Dr. Georgeann Tyler Pringle Pastor & Adjunct Professor, Good Hope AME Church, Cope, SC
Rev. Jennifer Casey ELCA
Rev. M. Allen Moss Minister
YouthUSA.net Faith-based Positive Youth Development
Rev. Michael Leslie Minister
Rev. Diane Hodges Elder
Ms. Carolyn Thomas-Kamara Member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Wets Chester, Pa
Rev. Sharon Davis Pastor, Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, Tampa, FL
Adrienne Young Executive Director, Tree of Hope, Alliance Church
Rev. Dr. Elias Bouboutsis Greek Orthodox Delegate, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA
Harry Wilkins
Susan Carter Presbyterian
Rev. Ronald S. Johnson Pastor of Cordova Baptist Church
Rev Susan Rippert Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Steve Rosczewski ECC Diocese of Florida
Rev. Craig Mears Apostolic Catholic Church
Reverend Sue Clark Interfaith Minister / Equality and Human Rights Advocate
Rev. Kenneth N.Nelson Pastor, Seneca Community Church (ICCC)
Rev. Tom Holdcraft Pastor
Rev. Ann M. Phillips Chaplain
Dr. Carlan Helgeson Senior Pastor of Spring Hill United Church of Christ
Harlan Johnson Board member, European American Lutheran Association
W. Mark Clark Associate General Minister, United Church of Christ
Rev. Crystal Davis Jones Executive Pastor, Fort Washington Christian Church, Maryland
Rev. Dr. Richard J. Perry, Jr. Associate Professor, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (ELCA)
The Rev. Debra A. Hepburn, M.Div. Staff Chaplain @ Gainesville, FL
Wayne T. Morris ELCA and volunteer for ReconcilingWorks – Lutherans for full participation