ATLANTA–Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., released a statement on the conviction of a former Minnesota police officer in the murder of George Floyd:

“On April 20, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd. Though we feel the outcome of this case is a great sign of hope, this verdict does not mark an end to the work for justice. Rather, this verdict serves as one more step forward in the path toward healing and of restoration. We will continue to work as an archdiocese for a world where incidents of racial injustice no longer occur, where broken systems of oppression and inequality are repaired to support and protect all people and where the human dignity of all is recognized and defended.

I humbly ask the faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to pray through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the mercy of God our Father to guide our hearts and actions towards our continued hunger for justice and an end to the insidious sin of racism.”