This Is Not Okay
- Twelve Corners Communications
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
This is a picture of the Reverend David Black, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. I have never met him, but have loads of friends and colleagues who do. He is a colleague in ministry, serving in a church where I occasionally worshipped during my time in seminary.
The image is from September 19, 2025 and was taken while Rev. Black was preaching the gospel outside of the detention facility in Broadview, Illinois. While he was speaking, he was interrupted by a pepper ball containing chemical agents that affect vision and respiration. This image is from the moment the pepper ball was shot and hit him in the head.
This is not ok.
This is not ok.
There is no world in which this is acceptable by any means.
This is what it means to preach the gospel. This is what it looks like when the world hears a truth it can't abide.
This is not ok.
We are not ok.
Peace,
Jeff
For further context, there is a video of this incident here:(https://bsky.app/profile/mskellymhayes.bsky.social/post/3lzad2f5gnk2n) Please note that this video contains violence and swearing.
You can read more about this incident here:
Photo credit to Ashlee Rezin, Chicago Sun-Times
In moments like these, we are called to pray, to reflect, and to act for justice and compassion in our world. Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, as we seek peace together and learn what it means to live the gospel in love and courage. We invite you to contact us with any questions by calling our church office at 585-244-8585 or send an email through our secure contact form.