New York City faith leaders comment on Eric Garner court decision

Cardinal Dolan

Cardinal Timothy Dolan Archbishop of New York and Rabbi Michael Miller, and Executive Vice President and CEO Jewish Community Relations Council of New York City have issue a joint statement in the wake of the 3 December Grand Jury decision not to indict police office Daniel Pantaleo into the death of Eric Garner.

Garner died on 17 July, after being held in a chokehold by Pangtaleo. He had been suspected of illegally cigarettes. The incident was filmed by a passerby and broadcast nationally over various media networks. The event stirred public protests and rallies with charges of police brutality. Attorney General Eric Holder has announced that the Justice Department will launch an "independent, thorough, fair, and expeditious" civil rights investigation into Garner’s death.

Cardinal Dolan and Rabbi Miller said: 

New York City has a long history of confronting the challenges that arise from its greatest strength - the diversity of its residents, and our cooperation for the common good. Successive waves of immigrants have experienced both initial rejection and gradual acceptance. Minorities have endured discrimination, but have made significant progress in overcoming barriers to full inclusion.

We have reached an important juncture in the life of our city. While crime rates are at welcomed lows, stubborn pockets of violence persist in too many parts of New York. We have seen examples of extraordinary cooperation between communities and police, but barriers to trusting relationships remain.

We have watched as incidents of mistrust and tension have torn other cities apart. In contrast, we in New York City have historically set the example for peaceful, meaningful, constructive engagement. We know that will continue.

That’s because New Yorkers --- from all walks of life, religion, ethnicities, ages and gender traditionally come together to find real solutions and to move forward as one city.

We know that demonstrations can be a constructive part of this process, when they call attention to essential concerns and mobilize individuals and government to act. We all agree that these protests must remain peaceful, for the benefit of our communities, our children, and as an example to all who hold peace dear. Peaceful discourse of this nature will ensure the progress we all hope to achieve.

As we move forward we need to work to avoid destructive violence, build trust and create a more just city in which the dignity of each person as made in the image of God is respected and enhanced.

All of us deserve to live in a city where we are protected and respected. We know that New Yorkers will join us in working together to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive city for all, just as we always have.

As the psalmist prayed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble . . .God is in the midst of the city.” (Ps.46)

Signed

Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan and Rabbi Michael Miller