CUIC issues statement on the George Zimmerman verdict in the killing of Trayvon Martin

Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC), an ecumenical group of 10 denominations―plus the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a “partner in mission and dialogue”―has issued a statement calling for prayer and action following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin.

The CUIC previously issued a statement in March 2012 offering consolation to Martin’s family and calling for “an expedient and unbiased investigation” into the Florida teenager’s death.

“This remains a teachable moment,” reads the July 17 statement. “It is another opportunity to work together to understand the full implications of the racial divide and legacy of racism in this country and in our churches. It is another opportunity to explore together the privileges that some enjoy by virtue of their race and the burdens that others bear by virtue of their race. It is another opportunity to explore the United States criminal justice system and the different ways it impacts our communities. In humility, we invite the Body of Christ to join in serious self-examination about how our communities have failed to build the ‘beloved community.’”

The Reverend Robina Marie Winbush―in her capacity as CUIC’s president―signed the statement on behalf of the group’s coordinating council. Winbush serves as Associate Stated Clerk for Ecumenical and Agency Relationships for the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

In addition to the PC(USA), CUIC’s other member churches are the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Church, the International Council of Community Churches, the Moravian Church (Northern Province), the United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church.

Six of the churches within CUIC have also published their own statements on the George Zimmerman trial―including the PC(USA)―the links to which are found in CUIC’s statement.

Read the full text of the statement, dated July 17.