Since protests against police brutality and violence triggered by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, United Methodist bishops have been speaking out. Here is a sample of some of their statements and others.

The United Methodist Council of Bishops

Bishop Frank J. Beard, Illinois Great Rivers Conference: “It is the job of every Christian to serve as conduits of grace, mercy, and love…”

Bishop Kenneth Carter, Florida Conference: A Spiritual Exercise for Dismantling Racism

Bishop Leonard Fairley, Kentucky Conference: “We must not dishonor the memories of these souls by practicing the spirit of an eye for eye and a tooth for tooth.”

Bishop Robert Farr, Missouri Conference: The need to be antiracist

Bishop Grant Hagiya, California-Pacific Conference: “Like all evil, we must bring racism clearly into the light.”

Bishop Laurie Haller, Iowa Conference: Statement on Protests in Des Moines

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, Louisiana Conference: Thoughts on the sin of racism

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, South Carolina Conference: “Unfortunately, the good works of the many are too often overshadowed by the malicious action of the few.”

Bishop Scott Jones, Texas Conference: “The problem is historic, pervasive, systemic racism.”

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Wisconsin Conference: “When justice is truly blind, people can begin to feel safe.”

Bishop Sharma Lewis, Virginia Conference: A call for action against systemic racism

Bishop William McAlilly, Tennessee and Memphis Conferences: The Pandemic of Racism

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Western Pennsylvania Conference: “How long, Lord”  

Bishop James G. Nunn, Oklahoma Conference: Racism has no place in the Church of Jesus Christ

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Minnesota Conference: Giving breath and voice to cries for justice 

Bishop Gregory Palmer, West Ohio Conference: “Looking away perpetuates avoidance.”

Bishop John Schol, Greater New Jersey Conference: A Call to Action

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, West Virginia Conference: “I groan with the Spirit of God and all of creation at this moment.”

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, North Alabama Conference: “We speak both with our actions and words.”

Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, North Carolina Conference: A Summons to Witness, Protect and Promise

Church World Service: CWS Stands with Black Communities and Peaceful Protesters

World Council of Churches: Churches amplify urgent calls to address violent racism in US