Lamenting the Loss of Cyrus Carmack-Belton

Community Renewal Society (CRS) laments the death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton and holds his family, loved ones, and community in prayer following the recent verdict in South Carolina. 

While legal proceedings have concluded, grief carries.

For many, this verdict has reopened questions about safety, race, accountability, and whose lives are afforded the “benefit” of innocence. Regardless of where people stand on the legal outcome, a 14-year-old child is gone, and his family continues to live with that loss every day. I believe it is a reality that deserves our attention and compassion.

CRS believes all children are born in the image of God, with inherent dignity and value. We believe public safety must be rooted in the sanctity of life, accountability, and a commitment to justice. The loss of this young life is a deeply personal tragedy for his family and community; it is another reminder that public safety must be measured by our ability to create conditions where every person can flourish without fear.

This commitment is reflected in our Statement of Principles on Public Safety Toward Flourishing Communities. We invite our members, congregations, and partners to read the statement, sign on in support, and join us in advancing a vision of public safety that honors the value of every human life. 

The work of building flourishing communities doesn’t begin or end with a single verdict. It continues in our prayers, work, and our collective commitment to justice.

With Care,

Franchelle Stanford
Manager of Development and Communications

And the staff of Community Renewal Society