Thank you, Rev. Criner
I watched a live news feed of the police shootings protest in Fresno July 9.
At the front lines, between angry protesters and officers stood a remarkable human being. He was negotiating with the crowd and actively diffusing a confrontation.
I am told he is the Rev. D.J. Criner from Saint Rest Baptist Church in west Fresno. What a hero. Physically present, face to face and calling for peace! That was heroic!
Our city seems to have at least one church on every corner, but he was the only cleric I saw putting himself in harm’s way. Kudos to Rev. Criner for leaving the safety and comfort of his home to make a difference in the streets of Fresno. We need more great leaders like him.
Frances Morrison, Fresno
This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Thank you, Rev. Criner."