An American Baptist Church Holds Joint Worship Service Amid Aftermath of Pretti Killing

Rev. Christian Collins Winn and Rev. Travis Norvell of American Baptist Churches USA led a joint worship service in Minneapolis on Jan. 25, 2025, following the execution of nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents the previous day. The service took place at Judson Memorial Baptist Church, as Calvary Baptist Church’s building was under a security perimeter due to the incident. Members of both congregations gathered for reflection and warmth, seeking an alternative to the usual Sunday worship.

The service included readings from Psalm 55, which Collins Winn used as a prayer about “violence and strife in our city.” Norvell lit a candle to remember Pretti, Renee Good, and “all of the people that have been abducted from our cities.” The pastors also shared part of a liturgy from an earlier interfaith event, where hundreds of clergy marched to protest ICE. The service emphasized prayer and space for congregants to share their feelings and experiences.

Collins Winn reflected on the night before the service, describing the “drums of war” he heard in the streets as people shouted “F ICE” and a quieter group chanted, “No hate, no fear; Immigrants are welcome here.” He viewed the situation as a “holy mix” of anger, pain, frustration, sadness, grief, and hope. He encouraged the congregation to “find a place to lodge both of those” and grasp hold of both the pain and the hope.

Norvell read from Ephesians 6, offering an updated paraphrase that included imagery such as “gas mask of truth” and “hi-vis vest of righteousness.” The service emphasized preparedness for proclaiming the gospel of peace and the importance of recording the truth. The focus was on spiritual readiness and moral clarity amid the tensions surrounding the Pretti killing.

The event highlighted the role of American Baptist Churches USA in addressing social and political issues through faith-based action. The joint service underscored the congregation’s commitment to justice, mercy, and the care of the vulnerable, reflecting the denomination’s ongoing engagement with contemporary challenges. The pastors’ response to the tragedy demonstrated a blend of pastoral care and public advocacy, rooted in their theological convictions.

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