Remarks by Bishop Eric on the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Yesterday the world stopped for just a moment as people held their breath when Judge Peter Cahill read the verdict of the jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin. In that moment people wondered, “Would justice be done?” “Will riots break out?” “Is anyone above the law?” “Will this decision be the match that sparks the fire or the water that puts it out?”

Ultimately, I don’t think that there is a definitive answer to any of those questions as a result of the trial or the verdict. A guilty verdict on all three counts does bring accountability but will not restore life to George Floyd. Riots did not break out but the viral pandemic of racism and inequality that underlies the deep fear and skepticism in the black and brown communities will not go away overnight or in a month or a year.

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