White Police Officers and Community Members Wash the Feet of Black Faith Leaders in North Carolina to ‘Express Humility and Love’

White police officers and community members gathered to wash the feet of black faith leaders in North Carolina, echoing the Biblical story of how Jesus washed his disciples feet.

People of faith gathered for a unity march in Cary on Saturday, braving the summer heat to protest the brutal police killing of George Floyd and demand an end to racism.

Members of the Legacy Church Center, led by co-pastors Faith Wokoma and her husband Soboma, helped organize the unity prayer walk, where people gathered, observed eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence to mark how long a white cop had his knee on Floyd’s neck in killing him, and prayed for the country.

As a part of the event there was a ‘Washing of the Feet’ ceremony where at least three white law enforcement officers and three other white attendees washed the feet of pastors Faith and Soboma Wokoma.

Photos and video shared on social media show the group praying together as the pastors sat on a bench and their white peers knelt in prayer with buckets to wash their feet.

The washing of feet is a religious rite observed by various Christian denominations based of Jesus Christ’s commandment that his followers should wash one another’s feet, following his example, and to express humility and love.

Video of the ceremony was shared to Facebook where it went viral racking up over 2,400 views.

‘Powerful display of what reconciliation looks like,’ one Facebook user wrote.

‘This is how racial healing starts,’ another added.

‘Love and humility of God,’ one person commented.

Faith and Soboma Wokoma said they were inspired to create the Saturday rally as a place where people of faith can gather to have open discussions on the demonstrations unfolding across the country.

‘As we look through civil rights history, the church was always such a big part of change. And we don’t want it to just be the black church or white church, or Asian church. We want the body of Christ to come together, collectively,’ Faith Wokoma said to ABC11.

‘So we decided to gather with the other churches, and we were pleasantly surprised when the police said they wanted to be part of the walk. The mayor wanted to be part of the walk,’ she added.

Lori Bush, who sits on the Cary town council, described Saturday’s rally as a ‘powerful’ event.

‘It started with a true recognition of the history of abuse, violence and systemic racism, by saying the names of so many who have died as well as a 8 min and 46 sec moment of silence. Several stops to pray, singing Amazing Grace, and all of us working to show up while being socially distant. I was touched at the turnout, the impactful words, the raw emotion and call for change,’ she said.

‘Heartfelt and poignant moments when Town of Morrisville, NC Chief Andrews shares her family story & pastors stop and police kneel to wash the feet of black community leaders,’ she added.