Peter W. Peters "Build Trust, Relationships"

From the D&C, October 2, 2014

Build trust, relationships

Many thanks to David Andreatta for his wise comments on the clergy-police walkabouts. While this is a commendable initiative, Andreatta rightly points out that there is much to be done to create trust. When will we learn that systemic segregation does not build trust? Whether it is the image of a predominantly white police force, or segregated neighborhoods separated by poverty and unemployment.

What David pointed out is what all of us really know in our hearts, that to build trust and to build relationships it takes time and patience. There is a well-known maxim, shared by many religions, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How many of us would like to be loved while being isolated by poverty and lack of opportunity? 

PETER W. PETERS 

ROCHESTER