We Will Not Be Silent: United Women in Faith Responds to Ice Shooting

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@spotlightpr.org

NEW YORK – The nation’s largest denominational organization for women today mourned the death of a Minneapolis woman shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer on Jan. 7. The organization issued the following statement, which can be attributed to Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith:

“As women of faith, we have a responsibility to raise our voices when we see the rights of innocent people being trampled. In Minneapolis yesterday, we witnessed a grave injustice as an ICE officer shot and killed a woman inside her vehicle. We are heartbroken and angered at this senseless murder.

“We are called to put God’s faith, hope, and love in action. This violence and circumvention of due process is unacceptable. No one should be afraid to live in their own communities. Law enforcement should never be weaponized against the very people its officers are sworn to protect. Renee Nicole Good did not deserve the fatal treatment she received.

“Such excessive use of force is alarming, and we know that such situations are uniquely dangerous for people of color, persons who are unhoused, immigrants, and those with mental health conditions. Our prayers are with the people of Minnesota and all those around the world in fear of the weaponization of law enforcement.

“We want our sisters in faith and the broader community to know that no one should embrace silence in pursuit of peace. Now is the time to raise our voices in dissent, to work together across lines of difference to push back against excessive police force and seek justice for the people most victimized by the current state of affairs.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation.