George Floyd‘s brother Philonise prayed and had faith that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin would be convicted for killing his brother on May 25, 2020. Everyone knows that murder sparked protests and riots across the nation. Floyd’s brother and family’s prayers were answered by the 12 jurors who found Chauvin guilty on all three charges (second-degree murder, third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter) on Tuesday April 21, 2021.
Philonise told reporters that he felt “relieved today that I finally have the opportunity…for hopefully getting some sleep.” He referenced that technology was “the difference” that helped convict former officer Chauvin.
Faith Leaders and Influencers React to the Derek Chauvin’s Guilty Verdict
Faith leaders and Christian influencers immediately reacted to Derek Chauvin‘s guilty verdict, many of whom used the words “justice,” “relieved,” “thankful,” and “work to be done.”
Russell Moore who is the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission associated with the Southern Baptist Convention said [Twitter]: “Grateful for justice rendered in Minneapolis. Let’s remember today the family of George Floyd. And let’s work together for a new era of racial justice and American hope.”
Former NFL tight end and author Benjamin Watson said [Twitter]: “Tears of sadness and joy. The last year weighed heavily on us all. Justice does not bring the dead back to life but it does protect those who deserve protection and punish these who are deserving. Hasten the day when it is commonplace that the justice system work as it should.”
Samaritan’s Purse CEO and president Franklin Graham wrote [Facebook]: “The verdict is in and Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges in the death of George Floyd. Our legal system has worked and justice is being served. I hope all of America and our law enforcement will learn from this tragedy, and that we will become a better nation. My prayer is that our country will come together. I hope Christians will set the example and lead the way. Jesus told His disciples, ‘This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12). George Floyd’s life mattered—every life matters to God.”
Esau McCaulley, who is an assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, in an article published by the The New York Times said: “I am relieved about the guilty verdict in Mr. Chauvin’s trial. ‘Happy’ is the wrong word when a life has been lost. Juries can’t raise the dead. One court case can’t restore the distrust that lingers in the hearts of many Black and brown Americans. A single decision is important, but it can’t fix a system. There is still work to do. Mr. Floyd’s family may have some measure of peace, but he was taken from them nonetheless.”
Southern Baptist Convention‘s president J.D. Greear told the Baptist Press: “I know that for persons of color, today’s verdict ties into long-standing questions about justice and equal treatment under the law. As we said in the wake of this incident almost a year ago, we cannot remain silent when our brothers and sisters, friends and/or people we seek to convince of Jesus’ love are mistreated, abused or killed unnecessarily. I have prayed for our leaders as they sought justice and am thankful for their work to that end.”
Author and speaker Trillia Newbell said [Twitter]: “Sorrowful and thankful for justice. Such a difficult year.”
Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, Dwight McKissic said [Twitter]: “Without the video, it would have been a different verdict. Thank God for today, but we still have a long way to go.”
Ed Stetzer, who is the executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College and a well-known author, posted on his social media [Twitter]: “Thankful for the verdict in the #DerekChauvinTrial. Praying that the family of #GeorgeFloyd finds comfort today.”
