November 10, 2011

Hi All,
Many of you have asked me about my current response to Occupy Oakland.  I hope this email sent on the afternoon of November 10 to Oakland City Councilmember Pat Kernighan is helpful.  With you I pray for the peace of 100% of our City.
P.S. I will be in New Orleans next Monday-Thursday for a conference of PICO Clergy.  See you Sunday.

The Email

Hi Pat,
I had an opportunity to wander around the Occupy Oakland Encampment this morning. I was taken by the fact it many ways it a gathering of vulnerable people who are finding it a good place to find  food, housing and medical care. As I communicated to you last week I also support your concern for the impact of the encampment on the ocean of need that is the city of Oakland and the businesses of Oakland.  Thus, I urge that a moratorium on all potential police action be called and that a there be an official mediator or mediating agency appointed who will negotiate with Occupy on behalf of the citizens of Oakland in an effort to find a peaceful resolution to the current impasse.
Peace and Prayers,
Jim Hopkins