The Presbytery of Lake Michigan grieves the loss of life following the fatal shootings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by ICE officers in Minnesota. We mourn with their families and communities and denounce the use of lethal force in any circumstance where human life could have been preserved. These deaths are not isolated tragedies; they are part of a broader pattern of unjust and often illegal violence carried out by immigration enforcement, inflicting fear and harm on vulnerable communities.
As people of faith, we affirm that every person is created in the image of God and is deserving of dignity, care, and protection, regardless of immigration status. The use of lethal force, particularly by government authorities entrusted with public safety, demands transparency, accountability, and deep moral scrutiny. Gun violence is not only a policy failure; it is a spiritual crisis that calls the Church to bold and faithful witness.
We reject systems of enforcement rooted in intimidation, militarization, and disregard for human life. True public safety must be grounded in de-escalation, compassion, and justice, not fear and force. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to resist violence, and to pursue systems that heal rather than harm.
In a statement by the PC(USA) in response to this violence, we affirm:
“Through this remembrance, we rededicate ourselves to advocacy in the name of Christ Jesus. We stand with those who are detained or killed by ICE, treated unjustly and vilified, whom God defends as bearers of the divine image. We proclaim a God who values all people and who calls us again and again to remind the world to value the lives of all.”
This witness calls us not only to grieve and protest, but to renew our commitment to justice, compassion, and the inherent worth of every human being in the face of state-sanctioned violence and loss.
Faith-Rooted Advocacy: What We Are Called to Do
As believers committed to justice and peace, and as Presbyterians mindful of our call to prophetic witness, we encourage these actionable steps for our congregations and communities:
1. Pray and Lament Publicly
Hold dedicated worship services and moments of prayer to lament the loss of life and pray for healing for the Good family and the family of Alex Pretti and all affected by violence.
2. Educate and Elevate Voices for Peace
Host forums or study groups that explore the roots of gun violence, the role of law enforcement, and alternatives to militarized responses. Invite community leaders, clergy of different traditions, and public safety experts to offer diverse perspectives.
3. Call for Transparent, Independent Investigations
Advocate for investigations that include local and state oversight in cases of lethal force by federal or local law enforcement. True justice requires transparency and trust.
4. Engage with Elected and Faith Leaders
Write letters to members of Congress, governors, and local officials urging:
- De-escalation training for all law enforcement
- Clear standards limiting the use of deadly force
- Accountability mechanisms when force is unjustified
5. Support Community Safety Initiatives
Invest in and partner with organizations working on conflict resolution, mental health support, and community-based violence prevention.
6. Advocate for Responsible Gun Policy
Work with coalitions on state and national levels to advance sensible gun-violence prevention measures: universal background checks, safe storage laws, and funding for research on firearm harm and prevention.
Recent Comments