CSR issue statement regarding the death of Yves Sakila
Statement Issued by the Council on Social Responsibility (Southern Executive)
The death of Yves Sakila in Dublin is shocking and so sad. We pray that those closest to him in DR Congo and in Ireland would know God’s peace and strength at this time. The Congolese community here in particular are in shock. And an elderly man has been seriously injured and lost his mobility. May he receive the healing needed to regain his full strength.
The nature of Yves’ death is being, and needs to be, investigated thoroughly. Such investigation will need to look at all the evidence, well beyond what any of us can see. That said, the video being circulated online is highly disturbing in terms of the people on top of him as well as the onlookers. It resonates with many people of colour who are subjected to labelling, discrimination and fear-inducing language.
What is also disturbing is the extreme and hateful language being expressed on posts about his death, and the scale of it. Most people in society are simply and profoundly shocked that a man could die on our streets in this way and are expressing their concern and sympathy. However, there is also a significant minority that feels emboldened to say the most hateful things.
As a society we need to reckon with the hate that we have allowed to fester. There has been worrying growth in racism, the labelling of some people as of less value than others and the scapegoating of others to excuse our own angst. These things are being fueled by the careless language of those with influence in our own land as well as the words and actions of selfish and unaccountable politicians on the global stage and online influencers. And all of us with influence, the church in particular, must confess our silence at different times when hate and violence must be called out. In these days we stand with the hurting and we recommit ourselves as enablers of reconciliation and life-giving compassion.