Pastor Calls for More Respect for Police

It’s only been four short days since five police officers lost their lives in a brutal sniper attack in Dallas, and the nation is still reeling.

From politicians to private citizens, Americans are searching desperately for solutions to the problems that showed themselves so violently on the streets of a major city.

“I’m getting very sick and tired of so-called ministers who do nothing but sow seeds of distrust and disrespect for the police,” said Jeffress.

But many also are turning to their faith and to spiritual leaders, who have kickstarted conversations within individual communities.

On Sunday morning, Pastor Robert Jeffress — of the First Baptist Church in Dallas — appeared on “Fox and Friends” to discuss the unique role religious communities can play in bringing about change.

Jeffress vented his frustration toward various ministers or church leaders who he deems part of the problem.

Jeffress said churches can make a positive contribution to the problem and should “engage in public displays of support for the police.” He also called on “ministers in churches to instill in their members a respect for the police.”

Jeffress called on scripture to drive his point home: “The New Testament says in Romans 13:4 that law enforcement officers are ministers of God sent by God to punish evildoers. When you think about it, police officers are just as called by God to do what they do as pastors and priests were called by God.”

Many in religious communities have taken up the responsibility of trying to heal the wounds that have divided police officers and black communities in America. But not all agree with Jeffress.

“Faith leaders have a responsibility to say we’re going to pray with our feet until real structural change happens,” said one religious leader.

Rev. Frederick Haynes, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, told Religion News Service, “Faith leaders now have a responsibility to say we’re going to pray with our feet until real structural change happens in this country.”

Haynes spoke of the need to include young people and have their voices heard as well. He plans to have a “community conversation” about how to “redo policing,” he told Religion News Service.

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“Policing in America of black and brown communities is the front lines of a war that we feel that is undeclared on black and brown bodies that take place every day in this country,” Haynes continued.

While there seems to be agreement that religious communities have a unique opportunity and responsibility to be part of the solution, the contentious disagreement and differing opinions that exist among the rest of America can also be found among these faith communities.

Clearly there is a big problem — but a unified solution is not yet apparent.