Baltimore Pastors, Ministers Backing City's $6.4M Settlement With Gray Family
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Baltimore pastors and ministers are backing the city's decision to settle $6.4 million with the Gray family, even though the officers have not yet been tried.
The pastors say the settlement can never pay for the pain of the Gray family, but it can be an olive branch to heal the city.
WJZ's Gigi Barnett has more on the reaction.
Days after the death of Freddie Gray scores of pastors and ministers from around the city linked hands, prayed and then took to the streets to bring peace.
Now in light of the city's $6.4 million settlement with the Gray family, the pastors showed at the same church where Gray's funeral was held, this time to say, "We're heading in the right direction."
"All of us are breathing a deep sigh of relief, realizing that we can now turn the page," said Pastor Jamal Bryant, Empowerment Temple.
The pastors' call for peace still stands, especially with the trials of the six officers charged in Gray's death looming on the horizon.
"At the end of the day the mayor will not be presiding over any of the officer's trials. There is a judge, duly appointed, and serving in that capacity that will make that decision and that's how justice is done," said Rev. Dr. S. Todd Yeary, Douglas Memorial Church.
But even with the settlement, the lay leaders say the millions do not take care of other requests they have of the city, like body cameras on all police officers.
"We're still looking for a level of integrity and accountability and we believe that every citizen of Baltimore has the right to walk freely through our streets," Pastor Bryant said.