CNA Staff, Jun 9, 2020 / 17:58 pm
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles asked the parishes of his archdiocese to toll their bells for eight minutes and 46 seconds on Tuesday to recognize the life of George Floyd on the day of his burial, calling for a renewed commitment to racial justice.
Floyd, 46, was buried in his hometown of Houston. He died on May 25, after an officer in the Minneapolis Police Department knelt on his neck for a period of eight minutes and 46 seconds. The arrest was filmed by onlookers, and the officers have since been arrested and charged with murder.
In the aftermath of Floyd's death, large protests erupted throughout the country demanding justice for Floyd, as well as for other people of color who have been killed by the police.
"We need to make sure that George Floyd did not die for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation's sacred promise - to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all," said Archbishop Gomez in a statement released by the archdiocese.