To the Congregations of the Missouri Mid-South Conference

From Allen M. Fluent, Acting Conference Minister

November 25, 2014

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

                The decision by the Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson has provoked many kinds of response within the whole community of Missouri and beyond, and we, at the Conference Office, have received a number of inquiries from our churches. Some have inquired about our safety and the safety of our local congregations.

                First, let me assure you that, to our knowledge, no one in any of our churches or staff has reported experiences or fears of personal harm or damage to our buildings, despite the considerable property damage that has taken place in the commercial area of Ferguson itself.

                I want to express sincere appreciation for those members of our Conference churches who have been engaged in peaceful demonstrations and efforts to maintain the nonviolent atmosphere that has for the most part prevailed throughout this difficult time.

                You should know and celebrate the fact that the institutions related to our Council for Health and Human Services Ministries have done exemplary work in preparing to provide needed services as they might be required in the aftermath of the Grand Jury decision.

                I hope you will join me in lifting up our pastors Traci Blackmon and Starsky Wilson for special prayer and blessing, as they accept the weighty responsibility of serving on the governor's Ferguson Commission, which will be examining the deeper issues raised by these recent events in our community.

                Please pray for our congregations in Ferguson and the neighboring community of Florissant, where our pastors and church members are addressing the needs of their fellow residents and the sense of well-being in their neighborhoods in times of great stress. I am thankful for their ministries.

                The eCourier is scheduled to go out tomorrow, and will include my pastoral letter for this week, with further comments and requests for prayer.

                Thanks to everyone for your concern.