Rev. Cecil Murray, L.A. Pastor And Civil Rights Activist, Dies

Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, a beloved pastor, civil rights activist, and group activist within the Los Angeles space died on the age of 94 on April 5 after struggling together with his well being, based on his household. 

As CBS Information studies, Murray pastored First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) for almost 30 years, rising the membership from 250 members to 18,000 over that point. He additionally created packages for the South L.A. group, which introduced jobs, housing, and cash to its residents. 

Murray was a central determine throughout the 1992 Rodney King riots in L.A., calling for calm amid unrest and rioting over the acquittal of 4 white officers who had been captured on video beating King, a Black motorist. Murray is credited with serving to rebuild the world after the riots ended. 

Murray additionally used his pulpit to name consideration to the racist historical past of America, telling his congregation when the riots stopped, “We aren’t proud that we set these fires, however we’d wish to make a distinction to America this morning in regards to the distinction between setting a hearth and beginning a hearth. We set a few of these fires, however we didn’t begin any of these fires.” Murray preached. “These fires had been began when some males of affect determined that this nation can certainly exist half slave and half free. These fires had been began when some males poured gasoline on the Structure of america of America.”

The College of Southern California’s Middle for Faith and Tradition mourned Murray’s passing in a Fb put up, writing “We’re unhappy to announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. ‘Chip’ Murray. He educated 1,000 leaders in civic engagement and group improvement by the College of Southern California, after an illustrious profession as pastor of FAME Church. He’s mourned by the numerous people he has mentored, endorsed, and prayed over throughout his lifetime of service. Our condolences to his household and all those that referred to as him pastor.”

In response to the obituary from USC, Murray was also known as the pastor of Los Angeles. Donald E. Miller, co-founder of the Middle for Faith and Tradition and the Leonard Ok. Firestone Professor of Faith at USC, described Murray’s skill to rally town. “Whereas many well-known preachers have roots in Southern California, Chip Murray is unparalleled in his skill to mobilize town of Los Angeles to heal the inequities associated to race and revenue inequality.”

As soon as Murray on the age of 75 he retired from FAME and joined the college of USC. There he began the Passing the Mantle program, which might ultimately change into the Murray Middle. On the Murray Middle. He developed packages to get lay and pastoral leaders to create tasks to serve their communities.

Rev. Najunma Smith, who now leads the Murray Middle, described the legacy of Murray and the USC middle that bears his title. “Dr. Murray’s impression is seen by the myriad of religion leaders, activists and native politicians who’re doing the work of group improvement and public coverage as we speak,” stated Smith. “He helped make Los Angeles a mannequin of efficient and pluralistic faith-based civic engagement.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an announcement on April 6 relating to the dying of Murray and his impression on L.A. “At present we misplaced a large. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray devoted his life to service, group, and placing God first in all issues. I had absolutely the honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and searching for his counsel,” Mayor Bass stated. “My coronary heart is with the First AME congregation and group as we speak as we replicate on a legacy that modified this metropolis without end.”

Murray was preceded in dying by his spouse, Bernadine in 2013, however is survived by his son Drew, his niece, nephews, grandniece and grandnephew.