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Posted: September 21 2018 at 12:44 PM
Updated September 25, 2018 - More than 75 people gathered to worship and pray outside the Cook County Courts Building at 26th and California Monday, Sept. 24 calling for justice for Laquan McDonald as the murder trial against Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke entered its second week of testimony.
Bishop Sally Dyck along with United Methodist clergy and laity joined the Community Renewal Society in the "Public Action in Worship." The theme was "knocking on the door of justice" as the group of clergy and laity sang "Break Every Chain" and chanted "Justice for Laquan!"
They prayed and called for justice for Laquan McDonald, who was shot 16 times by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke and others who have been killed by police in Chicago.
Bishop Dyck says it was an amazing service and turnout. She thanked all those who helped organize the gathering and who continue to fight for justice.
"It wouldn’t have been as powerful without all the United Methodist clergy and laity who showed up to sing, pray, commune and protest injustice in the Chicago Police Department," said Dyck. "Granted there are many good police officers (we have many UM who are) but there is systemic injustice in both the CPD and the justice system."
Carrying a wooden cross with 16 holes, representing the 16 shots fired at Laquan, the worshippers moved across the grassy area lamenting and naming other police shooting victims and calling for action. They repeated their demands, "We cry out for justice. We knock for Justice. We will not stop. We rise up."
Bishop Dyck broke bread and invited everyone to the communion table. "As we gather around the table, we are reminded that Jesus' body was broken and we've been talking about broken bodies and a broken system and when we call upon God for justice, justice will come. We are the church and we cry for mercy and justice," said Bishop Dyck.
Bishop Dyck encourages everyone to continue to pray for the city of Chicago. As we pray, yard signs are available to churches (and members) to display. Other displayed messages that read "we are praying for the city of Chicago and justice" are also encouraged.
You can request a yard sign via an email to ChicagoUrbanStrategy@gmail.com. Include your church name, church address, contact phone number, and contact person.
Watch the recorded Facebook live of the event: