If the Church is called to the work of reconciliation, what is its response when a well-respected segment of the community suddenly becomes a target for antipathy?
That is a question three congregations have begun to answer after a year in which the police force has come under increased scrutiny and suspicion. A series of incidents nationwide in which officers were accused of using excessive force has led to public hostility in some quarters.
Recognizing and honoring the good done by the police, these churches have reached out to local law enforcement with “Blessings of the Badges” services on and around the feast day of St. Michael, the patron saint of police officers. Here are their stories.
Trinity Church in Allendale
When the Rev. Michael Allen, Rector of Trinity Church, began talking with Allendale’s Chief of Police about coordinating a service, he learned that many officers did not want to take time out from their families and attend a special service in the evening.
So instead, Allen went to the police headquarters early in the morning on September 29 and 30. The visit was timed to coincide with the shift change, giving all of Allendale’s police officers the opportunity to receive a blessing.
“This was more than just a blessing of badges,” said police chief George Scherb. “It was a time to recognize our officers for the good they do in caring for the community and to thank them and let them know that the community is caring for them also. Overall, it was well received, and I believe it had a deep effect on each of them.”
Allen agreed, adding that he hopes to move into a deeper relationship with the department.
“With all the bad press surround the police, I sensed a ‘circling the wagons’ mentality, and this was a way of showing that we support them,” he said, “As we talked, there was a definite connection, as I brought up things I knew they were going through. I hope to continue that connection in the coming months.”
Scherb shares the hope.
“Father Michael went out of his way to emphasize that his doors are always open to our officers, especially if someone was going through a hard time at work or at home,” Scherb said. “He recognized how working around the clock can place an immense strain on someone’s family life and how traumatic events that we respond to can impact an officer tremendously, long after that event has passed.
“When Father recited Saint Michael’s prayer every officer in the room recognized the call to always be prepared and to do the right thing no matter how difficult the circumstances may be,” Scherb added. ”As we watch over the community, St. Michael watches over us.”
St. John’s Church in Boonton
At St. John’s in Boonton, the Rev. Tim Carr was seeking for a way to address the psychological impact suffered by many officers who find themselves distrusted by some of the very people they have sworn to serve and protect.
That thought led to the blessings service on September 30.
“It was in response to enhanced levels of criticism that the police had become more aggressive,” Carr explained. “There was a sense, especially among the younger generation, that the police are no longer regarded as heroes.”
Speaking to older officers, Carr got the sense that those who had lived through 9/11 were better able to cope with recent criticisms of law enforcements, insulated somewhat by the memory of the respect they experienced in the aftermath of that tragedy.
But, he added, “For the younger police officers who joined after 9/11, the level of criticism has been devastating to them.”
Carr is used to serving those who serve others. He is a chaplain of EMTs and pays weekly visits to The New Jersey Firemen’s Home, a Boonton care facility that looks after the state’s aged, indigent and disabled firefighters.
And he admits that building bridges can be challenging work.
“These are strong, macho types, who are used to being there for other people,” he said. “They might be vulnerable and lonely, but you wouldn’t know it.”
The blessings service was another step in the direction of forging a connection with those professions.
“When you see a young police officer sitting in the back pew of the darkened church at St. John’s, it’s a tremendous picture of God’s grace,” he said. “So although this ministry is difficult, it’s also extremely rewarding.”
“We will offer it again,” Carr added. “I like the spiritual nature of bringing people together and praying for good will and protection.”
Church of the Good Shepherd in Wantage
On Wednesday, October 21, Church of the Good Shepherd in Wantage will offer walk-in blessings between 9 AM and 3 PM, with a formal service to follow at 6:30 PM.
The theme of the service, which will be an ecumenical effort co-hosted with the nearby Presbyterian Church, is the Beatitudes – particularly the line, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
“The police do a lot more than catching bad people,” said the Rev. David Rude. “There are times in life when you’re in trouble, and you need help, you need a hand, and they are there. A lot of people have experienced that. We want to honor and thank the police for their commitment and service to the community.”
For Rude, reaching out in this way is an important part of what it is to be the Church.
“A lot of churches are looking at ways to bring God’s grace beyond the walls of the church, rather than sitting inside and gazing at our navels,” he continued. “This is part of that. We are trying to find another way to be of use to the wider community. People in the congregation are pretty excited about the whole thing.”
At Good Shepherd, Blessing of the Badges comes on the heels of the Blessing of the Animals, and in the same month as Blessing of the Bikers – a service held in conjunction with the American Legion Riders. Rude is a chaplain for the American Legion.
“We are viewing this as the month of blessings,” he said.
