With the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in the police-custody death of African American George Floyd set to begin March 8, Archbishop Bernard Hebda asked for prayers for peace and a commitment to justice.

Noting that memories remain fresh of the protests and riots that erupted after Floyd’s May 25 arrest, the archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis said a certain level of anxiety is permeating the Twin Cities.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda

“Many now are fearful about what may happen during the trial and its aftermath — no matter what the jury’s verdict will eventually be,” the archbishop said in a March 5 video and statement. “And all of that emotion is heightened by the ongoing pandemic that has brought additional death, illness and sadness to our world, country, state, communities and families.”

“I hope you will join me during the trial by blocking-out time in our busy lives to stop and pray,” the archbishop said. “Whether we can take 30 seconds or 30 minutes, let us commit to praying each day for peace in our communities, peace for the Floyd family, and peace for our first responder sisters and brothers working to protect us. Please join me as well in praying for an end to the scourge of racism in our country,” the archbishop said.

The archbishop also was expected to join a 3 p.m. March 7 gathering of about 150 faith leaders in downtown Minneapolis, praying for peace, unity and justice in Floyd’s death.

Former police office Derek Chauvin, who is white, was shown in the arrest with his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd, handcuffed and face down on the ground, begged to breathe and then became unresponsive. A bystander captured part of the arrest on video and shared it via social media. Floyd had been accused of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 to buy cigarettes. Chauvin faces charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin also was charged with third-degree murder, and recent legal moves could result in reinstatement of that charge. Legal complications also could delay the trial.

Meanwhile, barricades and fencing topped with barbed wire have been set up in downtown Minneapolis and police and the Minnesota National Guard have been put on alert.

Noting the current Lenten season of penitence and sacrifice, the archbishop said, “On this third Sunday of Lent, we join with the Church around the world in praying Psalm 95: ‘If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.’ God is always asking us to listen for his voice and to allow that voice to permeate our hearts. We cannot let our hearts harden. God calls us to be people of peace, hope and love. He also calls us to be people of justice — not revenge.”

Archbishop Hebda also called for unity. “We have seen time and again that we do not have the power to bring peace, equality and justice to our world on our own,” he said. “If there was ever a time to join together and ask our merciful God for his help, this is it.”

Chauvin was fired after the incident. Three of his colleagues also were fired and they face a joint Aug. 23 trial on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four defendants are out on bond.

Read and view Archbishop Hebda’s message.