In April 2015, the long-smoldering embers of racial tension in Baltimore City erupted into flames and riots at a level unseen in 50 years. The riots were sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old man who was arrested by the Baltimore Police Department for possessing what the police alleged was an illegal switchblade. While being transported in a police van, Gray was injured, fell into a coma, and was taken to a trauma center where he later died.

This collection of sermons, prayers and liturgies by members of the Baltimore Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is just a sample of the work we are doing. We hope they will inspire the readers to examine these issues and join us in a prophetic witness as we journey with hope toward wholeness and toward fulfilling God's command to “let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).                                   --From the Foreword