The Episcopal Church acknowledges the urgent need to address police violence and its racial justice implications. The Office of Government Relations continues to advocate for federal legislation on this issue, but we also recognize and respect the power of advocacy from individual communities, parishes, and organizations. The actions below are intended to encourage you to get involved locally, as the approaches to addressing police violence are highly dependent on local context, local structures, and local relationships, and must be attended to as such. 

The Episcopal Church calls for action to address police violence and reform, and “condemns the improper and violent actions of authorities against people of color.” The Executive Council encourages the Church to work toward transforming the criminal justice system at the federal, state, regional, and local levels, including by enacting substantial police reforms. 

Take action using the resources below: 

1. Write your members of Congress in support of legislation like the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill from 2021 that would set national standards and attempt to bring about lasting change to the ways that police departments operate 

2. Contact your state legislators to learn about reform efforts at the state level. Many states are working to enact major change and may be able to address specific issues you make them aware of. This can be done by visiting your states’ legislature page.  

3. Learn about your local law enforcement: What is its jurisdiction? Who controls funding and provides oversight? What is the racial makeup of the police force? Do they live in the communities they serve?  

4. Contact your local Mayor and Sheriff’s Office as well as your city council to ask them to implement policies to end police violence 

5. Learn about and connect with organizations working on police reform in your city and municipality. Here is a report as an example from Ferguson, MO, on community-based efforts to hold law enforcement accountable   

6. Engage in anti-racism training to better equip yourself for civic participation 

7. Attend “Reimagining Police: A 3-Part Series” by the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing. Watch part 1, part 2, and part 3. (Part three features OGR’s Alan Yarborough and Rebecca Cotton speaking on disinformation) 

8. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s Pastoral Message 

Beyond the immediate efforts of police reform, the Church has longstanding policy urging adequate investment in our communities, including investment in education, support for those facing homelessness or housing instability, access to food, and making reforms to end the school-to-prison pipeline. Addressing these issues and more are all crucial aspects of dismantling systemic racism and ensuring that our communities are safe, so all people can flourish.