November 21, 2007

Southeast Queens Clergy Members Join US Rep Gregory W. Meeks
for a Unified Day of Worship in Memory of Sean Bell

(JAMAICA, NY)–Today, members of the Southeast Queens clergy including Bishop Lester Williams of the Community Church of Christ, pastor for Sean Bell's family, announced a unified day of worship in memory of Sean Bell. This day of worship will be held on Sunday, November 25, 2007 the anniversary of Bell's death. Five police officers fired at least 50 rounds into an automobile driven by 23 year-old Sean Bell, who, along with two passengers, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were leaving Mr. Bell's bachelor party at a nearby nightclub.

Bishop Lester stated, "I ask that November 25th be dedicated as a day of reflection and that no family will ever again have to endure an act of violence as did the Bell family."

The group of over 100 clergy and civic leaders worked together in the wake of the Sean Bell shooting asking the community to exercise calm and called for a peaceful resolution while monitoring the investigation. Rev. Dr. Henrietta Fullard, President of Clergy United for Community Empowerment (CUCE) stated, "we reached out to young people who were grieving and answered their questions about police conduct."

Congressman Meeks added, "as the community heals I ask that we maintain the respect for the memory of Sean Bell and that all New Yorkers continue to keep Mr. Bell's family in your thoughts and prayers."

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