Adventist Community Weighs in on Trayvon

Trayvon Martin, 17, an African-American, was shot and killed on Feb. 26, by George Zimmerman  in Sanford, a suburb of Orlando, Fla. The shooting happened as Martin walked back to his father’s house after buying Skittles and an iced tea from a nearby convenience store.

Zimmerman, 28, described as Latino, had been patrolling the neighborhood as part of a neighborhood watch program. Zimmerman claims self defense. Others insist the killing was a hate crime.

Below is a statement released this morning by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America.

"Leaders and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America join with others in the deep concern of the senseless violent acts surrounding the death of Trayvon Martin one month ago. Young Trayvon fits the description of many of our youth, many of our own children. We join in mourning with his family and friends and pray for justice to be found in this situation and the love of Christ to be manifested in our communities."