From the Office of Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, Territorial Commander

Our hearts have been deeply disturbed by the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Many have seen the image of Mr. Floyd  pinned to the pavement by a police officer as he struggled to breathe and was eventually asphyxiated. It’s a horrific act. One that demands justice. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

The Salvation Army believes that everyone is created in the image of God and that we are all of infinite value and worth. We abhor discrimination and believe that God loves us all equally, regardless of the colour of our skin, our country of origin, our language or our creed. Our core value of dignity means that we strive to treat everyone with respect and see them through the eyes of Jesus.

Sadly, we often fail. We must face our own disgraceful legacy of racism and prejudice, here in Canada and in Bermuda. We are not immune. The unjust treatment of Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees, people of colour, and all who are marginalized is a shameful part of our past and our present. There is a need for repentance. We can do better. We must do better, by God’s grace.

Since its inception, The Salvation Army has been called to stand alongside and uplift our brothers and sisters who are oppressed. To engage in dialogue, to listen, to forge a path together to healing, hope and transformation. As Christ-followers, we must also stand against systemic forces that subjugate, dehumanize and degrade others. These are deep-rooted problems that require sustained effort and a collective response.

We recognize that the years of suffering have culminated in expressions of anger and frustration we see around us in these days. We understand the need for protest, to collectively raise our voices, but we implore people to seek nonviolent solutions. Let us be peacemakers. Let us reach out to each other with compassion. Let us put our trust in a God who created us and who loves us.

May the ultimate legacy of George Floyd be one of positive change and the eradication of racism and hate.

God bless you.