Bishop seeks suggestions for police-commnity relations

YOUNGSTOWN

Bishop George V. Murry offered a brief synopsis of his work as a member of Ohio Task Force on Community-Police Relations but asked for “concrete and tangible” suggestions from organization members.

At an ACTION clergy caucus breakfast Thursday, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown said Gov. John Kasich charged the task force with formulating practical suggestions that can be implemented through executive order or legislation.

“He doesn’t want grand cosmic ideas, but concrete recommendations,” the bishop told members of the Alliance for Congregrational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods. Elder Ross Johnson, pastor of Bethel Church of God in Christ, 3147 Glenwood Ave., was host.

Bishop Murry said he has met with Valley police departments, community activists, mayors and prosecutors. He said ACTION members already show a “great sign of faith initiative” in work addressing social and education issues. The bishop said the governor wants a report from the task force by the end of April; the group has met four times since it was formed in late December. He noted that the governor is taking a proactive approach to try to avoid or stop incidents that have led to racial strife elsewhere.

Read their suggestions and more about the initiative in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.