Quakers stand with mourners after shooting of Chris Kaba
‘We understand that there is no neutral space with racism,’ said Paul Parker, recording clerk for BYM
Quakers have joined other faith groups in calling for compassion and justice in the wake of the Metropolitan Police-related fatal shooting of Chris Kaba this month.
In a statement, the Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF) appealed to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate the shooting on 5 September, to help restore community confidence and reduce tensions.
Chris Kaba, twenty-four, who died after being shot in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, was a well-known musician, soon to become a father. The firearms officer involved has been suspended, and the IOPC is treating the death as a homicide.
The forum, which includes Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Methodists and Baptists, called for prayers for the Kaba family and the community. It also remembered ‘hurting and fearful young people’ and their frightened parents. Alongside other church groups, the RJAF has listened to family and community concerns and offered support and solidarity in their search for answers.
Edwina Peart, inclusion and diversity co-ordinator at BYM and RJAF member, said: ‘We call on the IOPC for greater clarity and transparency in their investigative process as we seek timely justice.’
‘We understand that there is no neutral space with racism,’ said Paul Parker, recording clerk for BYM, ‘We call on those in positions of power, as public servants, to work with all of good faith to build the world we seek.’
The RJAF will host a webinar on 29 September to better equip churches and communities to respond to critical incidents, and to engage with the police.
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