This week the National Council of Churches was among the many faith groups reacting with dismay after a Ferguson, Missouri grand jury decided there was no probable cause to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. The decision not to indict Wilson followed months of anticipation as well as a nationwide debate about police treatment of young black men. Angry protests broke out in Ferguson and in many other cities across the U.S. shortly after the decision was announced. While many of the Ferguson protests were peaceful, there was also chaos as several buildings were looted or burned and police fired tear gas. Faith groups have been active in Ferguson, urging peaceful protests, and several local churches are providing safe places for protesters to meet and pray. President Obama acknowledged the deep divisions and appealed for calm:

President Obama: “There are Americans who agree with it and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction. But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protest this decision to do so peacefully.”