George Floyd Archives

Church called to lead the difficult work of overcoming structural racism

Apr 29, 2021

As the guilty verdicts were read April 20 in the trial of a white former Minneapolis police officer in the death of George Floyd, Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University of Louisiana, “could hear the rumble of a collective exhalation” across the New Orleans campus.

By Dennis Sadowski

Minneapolis Catholics continue prayers, reflection after Chauvin verdict

Apr 27, 2021

As the Twin Cities and the nation continue to absorb events that led to the April 20 guilty verdict of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, Minnesota’s Catholic leaders are pointing a way forward: Christ’s example of forgiveness, compassion and thirst for justice.

By Joe Ruff

Faith leaders hope Chauvin verdict lifts racial justice work
- Apr 22, 2021
Faith leaders in Minnesota and across the United States expressed hope that their advocacy work for racial justice will gain momentum from the guilty verdict rendered against Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of killing George Floyd.

By David Crary and Luis Andres Henao
After guilty verdict in Floyd murder, bishops say work for racial justice continues
- Apr 21, 2021
After the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd late Tuesday afternoon, American Catholic Church leaders weighed in with statements that affirmed the jury’s decision, but also recognized the need to continue to work on the issue of racial justice nationwide.

By John Lavenburg
Archbishop offers special Mass to pray for jurors, peace in communities
- Apr 19, 2021
As closing arguments began April 19 in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and priests across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis offered special Masses “For the Preservation of Peace and Justice.”

By Joe Ruff
With Minneapolis trial ahead, Catholics pray for peace, fear more unrest
- Mar 28, 2021
Just before 8 a.m. March 22, nine people gathered outside St. Olaf Parish in downtown Minneapolis in a garden dedicated to St. Francis to pray that saint’s famous prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

By Maria Wiering