MEMPHIS, Tenn. (OSV News) — Catholics in Memphis and throughout the nation are joining in prayer while calling for justice, as disturbing images of a police arrest turned fatal in that city were released Jan. 27.
Five former Memphis police officers have been charged with second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping and other offenses in the fatal arrest of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, who died Jan. 10 following a Jan. 7 traffic stop.
Ahead of expected protests as the police body cam footage is made public, Memphis Bishop David P. Talley has urged prayers for peace. The Dominican Friars of Memphis and the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, a historically Black Catholic fraternal order, also issued statements Jan. 27.
“The time for corrective action is long overdue,” said the Clavers’ statement. “We no longer ask ‘Why?’ We now demand the end of these merciless murders which show a stark lack of regard for the most precious gift of life.”
For the full OSV News story, see your local Catholic news source.
