A Message from UU Trauma Response Ministry Co-founder Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt for the Election Season. Links and details in the comments. (fb)

On the Assault and Killing of Tyre Nichols: Today is yet another heartbreaking day as we prepare to receive video footage of police use of violence that led to the death of Tyre Nichols. Our hearts have tragically rehearsed this. We will want answers and justice. But truth will be much harder. Accountability and justice are important. It matters to all those most closely involved and for systemic change. What the officers did to Tyre Nichols is also a historied action. This is a “yet another tragedy in a long line that refuses to fade” type of experience. It activates historical trauma. Yet another unarmed Black man was assaulted and killed by police officers. This hurts everyone, some more excruciatingly. Whatever the legal decisions will be, whether officers are found guilty or not, whatever the opinions and comments will be, this is a deeply painful violent event. An event that has now deepened the wounds in our hearts, among neighbors, and further ruptured the hope of national dreams. There is no outcome for this case that will heal these wounds. Healing will take much more work and much more time. Let us hold Tyre Nichols' family and loved ones in our hearts today and in the days and weeks to come. Let us hold in our hearts the officers’ families and loved ones, and the officers who did this. Let us be courageous in the face of this pain. Let us hold this heartbreak and deepen our resolve to create an end to this storyline of history. May love and comfort find you today and always. May grace fill our wounds. --In Faith and Care, Rev. Dr. Pippin Whitaker, Minister of the UU Fellowship of Athens, GA. (fb)