CNA Staff, Jun 4, 2020 / 17:10 pm
The Knights of Columbus have announced a forthcoming novena for an end to racism, as Catholic fraternal organizations urge prayer and justice amid burgeoning civic unrest that began with the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed while being arrested May 25.
"George Floyd was a man, a human, a being. Not a stat. Not just another one. Not to be forgotten," the Knights of Peter Claver, a traditionally black Catholic fraternal organization, said in a statement released last week.
"The Knights of Peter Claver condemns the senseless death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis policemen. There is no explanation to justify the actions taken by the police that ultimately led to Mr. Floyd's demise. We pray that God will grant his family peace and that the Minneapolis community finds healing during this difficult period,"
The group called for "true respect of the Dignity of Black Lives. These statements should not have to be made. These demands should not have to be made. These lives should not be lost."