Religious groups were among those condemning a New York grand Jury decision this week not to bring charges against a white police officer for the death of an unarmed African-American man. The police were trying to arrest Eric Garner for selling loose cigarettes and placed him in an apparent chokehold that led to his death. The United Church of Christ called the decision “an inexplicable travesty.” Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore said “a government that can choke a man to death on video for selling cigarettes is not a government living up to a biblical definition of justice, or any recognizable definition of justice.” The decision came as tensions remain high over the Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict a white policeman for the death of Michael Brown. Earlier in the week, President Obama met with law enforcement officials, civil rights leaders, and clergy to find new ways to build trust between the police and local communities. The president said faith groups must be part of that effort.

President Obama: “When any part of the American family does not feel like it is being treated fairly, that’s a problem for all of us.”