New Haven Clergy Urge Peaceful Protests, Condemn Violence

NEW HAVEN, CT – Speaking at a news conference Tuesday morning, members of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association addressed their concerns about policing in black communities, following protests against police brutality over the past several days.

Reverend Steven Cousin, of Bethel AME Church, said that he is proud to be a father of two young sons. As a father, he said he is looking forward to having conversations about relationships and driving, but there are conversations that he is not looking forward to having.

"The one conversation I am not looking forward to is what does it mean to be black in America and how when you step outside the doors how you may be viewed and treated," he said. "That conversation now has come to my doorstep."

Cousin condemned President Trump's calls Monday night for military personnel to be deployed to states in order to stop protests from happening.

"I am thankful for the protests for raising their voices," Cousin said. "You cannot put a face on this particular movement. You see nationalities, various ethnic groups from all over the place speaking out together as one."

Clergy members appealed to the media to be responsible with their reporting and to avoid sensationalizing the protests.

While in support of the protests, the clergy members condemned the acts of violence that led to businesses being burned down.

"We are only hurting our own people by burning down our city," Pastor Kelcy Steele said. "Let's protest, but let's protest peaceably."

On Monday, Interstate 84 was closed down in both directions for about an hour due to protesters on the highway. Members of the clergy said shutting down a highway was considered peaceful protest and they support the actions that were taken.