St. Louis faith leaders seek peace, justice
Service calls for turmoil to end, healing to begin
ST. LOUIS — Leaders of several faiths on Tuesday called for peace and justice amid the turmoil that followed the acquittal of a white former St. Louis police officer in the 2011 death of a black man.
Several hundred people gathered on a hot, unshaded public plaza for an interfaith service followed by a march to City Hall. The service came after four days of protests that followed a judge’s decision Friday to acquit Jason Stockley of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anthony Lamar Smith. Speakers at the service included Roman Catholic Archbishop Robert Carlson, black church pastors and Jewish and Muslim leaders.
“Let us remember that we are not a divided humanity, but a human family,” Carlson said. “Let us show love instead of hatred.”
Several who spoke acknowledged the pain the ruling caused African-americans in the community.
“Justice, fair treatment ought to be the right of all God’s children,” said the Rev. Linden Bowie of the Missionary Baptist State Convention.
More than 150 people have been arrested in the protests since Friday. No organized demonstrations were planned for Tuesday, protest leaders said.
St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said Tuesday she’s planning to meet with protesters.
Hundreds attended a rally Monday night outside the jail in downtown St. Louis. Demonstrators chanted “Free our people” to show solidarity for those jailed. On Sunday night, 123 people were arrested after a smaller group of protesters that remained on the streets after the more organized demonstrations wrapped up broke business windows downtown, smashed concrete pots and threw things at officers.
Police officers chanted “Whose streets? Our streets!” after making arrests. At a news conference Tuesday, Krewson said it wasn’t acceptable for them to chant the refrain, which protesters commonly use. She said police are under a lot of stress but “that’s not an excuse.”
The shooting of Smith by Stockley came after a chase on Dec. 20, 2011. Stockley, 36, testified he felt endangered because he saw Smith holding a silver revolver when Smith backed his car toward the officers before speeding away, prompting the chase.