A new oath of office

Our country’s mission statement is, historian John Meachem reminds us, “all men are created equal.” The oaths of office for President, members of Congress, judges, and the military are all worded slightly differently but share the idea of allegiance to the Constitution. However, the Constitution is not the ultimate touchstone of our democracy. The mission statement is. All candidates for and nominees to public office should show evidence, not rhetoric, of adherence to the mission statement. All elected officials should swear this oath: “I believe all people are created equal.” That would provide a clear standard against which to judge their views and votes on racial legislation.

Edward J. Gallagher

In response to Tyre Nichols’ death

When the news broke of the death of Tyre Nichols, a Black motorist who was pepper-sprayed, tased, beaten with a baton, punched and kicked by Memphis police officers after being pulled over for a traffic stop, the story sounded all too familiar. But familiarity should not breed complacency, and while the Memphis Police Department has responded by firing six officers - five of whom have been charged with murder – and investigating a seventh, this response will not bring back Mr. Nichols or ease the grief of those who knew and loved him. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis described the actions of these officers as “heinous, reckless, and inhumane.”

The Bethlehem Interfaith Group expresses our deep sorrow and anger that once again a young Black life has been taken because of police brutality. We acknowledge the danger and stress inherent in policing and recognize that there are many fine police officers around the country who are appalled at the behavior of the officers who attacked Mr. Nichols, and we commend police chiefs who have spoken out to condemn the death of Mr. Nichols. However, we sincerely hope this event will lead to systemic changes in policing to avoid a repeat of what happened in Memphis.

We also wish to express our support for and solidarity with the Black community in their pain over this most recent unjust, hateful and violent event.

Finally, as representatives of a number of religious communities in Bethlehem, we thank God for the exemplary faith of Mr. Nichols’ mother, who called for justice for her son yet was able to say in sincerity to the perpetrators, “I pray for you.” This is faith in action.

Bethlehem Interfaith Group