Rev. Harriett Walden is the cofounder of Mothers for Police Accountability, an almost 30 year-old Seattle-based organization that advocates for the dignity and security of the whole community against injustices in law enforcement and the criminal justice system; educates young people on their legal rights and responsibilities in relationship with the police; and organizes partner organizations to hold police accountable. She is a member of Seattle’s Community Police Commission and hosts the “Mother’s Justice Show,” a radio program with the mission to increase dialogue in the community about police accountability, constitutional policing and justice.
She has been a facilitator with the Virtues Project, promoting kindness, justice and integrity in every life, worked to break the silence of black on black crime, and served as the interim pastor of multiple congregations. Rev. Walden joins me in this episode of RePlacing Church to discuss:
- Why the fatal shooting of Charleena Lyles is the result of systemic failure in the police department
- Why deescalation training is essential for police officers encountering mental health crises
- Sustaining practices for social justice advocates
- Why she founded Mothers for Police Accountability
- How a theology of absolution contributes to police brutality
- What troubles her about the church
- What white people need to do to fight racism
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Episode Song Credits: “Another Wrong to Right” and “You Won't Walk Alone” by Mercir. “Closed” by Zadok Wartes. Used with Permission.
Production Assistance by Nate Tubbs.