menu The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

NBC, USA, Inc. President’s Perspective on Senseless Shootings

Once again our nation is faced with the reality of senseless shootings: Mr. Philando Castile in St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and five police officers in Dallas, Texas. With the tragic and devastating news of these recent killings, along with the seven others who were injured in Dallas, we are reminded that violence and retaliation are never the solution to our frustration and anger. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are extended to the family of each victim.

May all know that we are resolved as spiritual leaders in this nation to do whatever we can do to help bring America together. May the wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr. provide us the needed encouragement today: “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Now is the time to come together in love and unity, praying for America.”

To that end, I am encouraging all of our National Baptist churches on Sunday morning to have a time of serious prayer, that God will give us guidance and wisdom as we seek to become catalysts to the process of healing our country. As ambassadors of Christ, we must exercise the power we have within us by bathing all of our efforts in prayer, knowing that more things are wrought through prayer than the average person can ever imagine. I ask that National Baptists, throughout our country, unite in prayer, praying that God will somehow allow each of us to recognize the value of every life; that God will give us a revival that reminds and empowers those in authority to recognize the importance of the tenor and tone of what is put in the public square; that God will help those in leadership and authority as well as each of us to refrain from rhetoric that fans the flame of divisiveness among us; and that He instills within each of us a fervent desire to humble ourselves and pray, to seek His face and turn from our wicked ways so that He can heal our land. (from: 2 Chronicles 7:14)

Yours in the ministry and mission of Christ,

Jerry Young, President
National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.