Skip to Main Content

Bishop's statement on Van Dyke verdict

Posted: October 5 2018 at 02:25 PM

All eyes around the country have been on Chicago the last few weeks during the trial against Jason Van Dyke, a police officer who killed Laquan McDonald while on duty.

There is no joy in his second degree murder conviction because he was not the only one on trial. We must continue to cry out and work for justice for brown and black persons who are targeted and failed by our policing, political, governmental and political systems as well as social networks. 

We must work to reform these systems so that they will be empowered to lift up and not gun down the Laquan McDonalds in our communities. 

Please keep the city of Chicago in your prayers along with Cook County and the State of Illinois. 

We must be better.

~Bishop Sally Dyck

Read an open letter signed by several faith leaders including Bishop Dyck to the Chicago faith community.

News & Announcements

Awardees Rov24

United Voices for Children Celebrates Advocates

United Voices for Children brought advocates, church leaders and community partners together for its annual Raising Our Voices event on Sept. 24 at Grace UMC in Rockford, focusin…

Cob Umc Bishops Condemn Proposed Plan For Livestreamed Execution

UMC Bishops Condemn Proposed Plan for Livestreamed Execution

In a pastoral letter to United Methodists around the world, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, opposes plans to livestream the exec…

Sympathy625x400 2a417

In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver

Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.

Thank You

Showing Appreciation for Pastors Throughout October

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, an opportunity to recognize the pastors and clergy who serve congregations and communities throughout the year. From writing a personal…

Print