10 Rules of Survival Black Pastors Are Giving Congregations
For black churches around the country, these sorts of papers aren’t just Bible bookmarks—they can save members’ lives.
Brutality against the African-American community is so rampant, some black congregations now stuff their bulletins with pamphlets telling their members how to survive if stopped by the police.
The flier, posted to Facebook by Pastor Bubba Justice, reveals the reality of racism in America.
“I picked this up when I was at an African American church last year,” wrote Justice, who pastors Inverness Vineyard Church in Birmingham. “It was part of there weekly church bulletin. I have never had to consider printing this in our bulletin because I pastor a predominantly white congregation.”
The Progressive National Baptist Convention originally published the flier, and has more than 2.5 million members around the world.
They give 10 tips for surviving encounters with police:
1. Be polite and respectful when stopped by the police. Keep your mouth closed!
2. Remember that your goal is to get home safely. … If you feel that your rights have been violated, you and your parents have the right to file a formal complaint with your local police jurisdiction.
3. Don’t, under any circumstance, get into an argument with the police.
4. Always remember that anything you say or do can be used against you in court.
5. Keep your hands in plain sight and make sure the police can see your hands at all times.
6. Avoid physical contact with the police. No sudden movements (and) keep hands out of pockets.
7. Do not run even if you are afraid of the police.
8. Even if you believe that you are innocent, do not resist arrest.
9. Don’t make any statements about the incident until you are able to meet with a lawyer or public defender.
10. Stay calm and remain in control. Watch your words, body language and emotions.
