LEWISBURG – Following violent protests and rioting in Baltimore, the regional Lutheran Bishop is hoping there will be lessons learned and changes made. Bishop Robert Driesen of the Lutheran church’s Upper Susquehanna Synod said the images we have seen have been shocking, but hopefully this will bring about change.
Bishop Driesen said, “I certainly do hope that the outcome will be justice. Justice isn’t served by violence. One hopes that in fact, we can address the underlying issues. That we can look at the relationships between those who have been entrusted with public safety and who have an incredibly difficult job and who put themselves at risk, but also disenfranchised black men who often believe that they are subjects of violence and discrimination from authorities.”
Bishop Driesen said he hopes these incidents will result in us addressing issues that have been with us for a long time. Driesen said this is not a new issue. He also complimented the clergymen in Baltimore for their handling of the violent riots, telling people to protest peacefully. You can hear more from Driesen from Tuesday’s On The Mark program online at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)