Atlanta Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell has formally apologized after facing backlash for a sermon where he suggested police killings of Black individuals might be linked to disobedience. In his Instagram statement, he recognized that the framing he used regarding Black children’s relationship with law enforcement was “harmful,” particularly as it contradicted the understanding that many victims were compliant during police encounters.
Mitchell, who leads the growing 2819 Church, emphasized the need for a nuanced approach to discussions about authority and race, following considerable criticism from fellow Black Christians and social media users. His remarks, made during a sermon citing a biblical passage on complying with earthly authorities, have reignited conversations about the complexities of policing and race relations in America.
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