Statement to the Media from Rev. Dr. Linda Olson Peebles
I am disappointed that the Police Chief of Charlottesville made unfair accusations in a press conference December 10 about our church and about the people trying simply to bring a matter of concern to the Police Department. How sad that a public official would malign people of faith. To clarify just three of the comments she made:
- The person who was stopped by police is indeed a longtime member of our church.
- The letter sent from our Board of Trustees never asked for resignations. We just asked that the police not stop people of color for “walking while black,” and said our concern was that they should feel safe to walk on the streets of our neighborhood.
- The letter was written following a conversation with the member affected, and approved by that member before it was sent.
We are disappointed in the outcome of the investigation as it seems the police department of Charlottesville has minimized our member’s experience, our concerns, and our right to ask for the police to respond to us without malice. Our congregation stands by all our members of color, and united we remain vigilant against systemic racism and oppression. We will continue to ask questions, to speak out against injustice whenever we can. We will continue to ask for truth and honesty from our public officials. We will listen and believe the people of color in our city as we hold those in power accountable.