In response to a request from President Donald Trump, representatives from 13 federal law enforcement agencies will begin arriving in Memphis on Monday, September 29, 2025, for the stated purpose of restoring public safety. These federal agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the National Guard.
Episcopalians throughout West Tennessee have expressed a variety of opinions about this matter. Regardless of your feelings on the subject, the presence of military equipment and troops patrolling the streets of Memphis will mark a significant change from what we are accustomed to experiencing.
Local civic groups, law enforcement and concerned citizens are committed to the safety of Memphis and Shelby County. Indeed, Memphis has seen a significant decrease in crime since 2023, with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) reporting that overall crime sank to a 25-year low in the first eight months of this year. I hope that local law enforcement and community leaders will be given an opportunity to play a key role in coordinating the work of the federal agents. We understand the nuances of the greater Memphis area in ways that outsiders do not.
If federal troops can help further reduce crime in Memphis through nonviolent, constructive efforts, that would be a positive step for our community. However, military force by itself is not a long-term solution to the underlying causes of crime. Reducing poverty, improving educational opportunities, expanding the public transportation system, and enhancing access to mental health services are essential components of a comprehensive plan to deter crime. Religious, non-profit and philanthropic organizations must serve as partners in this effort, and I encourage you to identify ways to get engaged.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ commended peacemakers as children of God. We strive for justice and peace among all people as disciples of Christ. The biblical understanding of peace represents more than the absence of conflict. It entails a sense of well-being which is derived from being in right relationship with God and with our neighbors. This biblical notion of shalom is what we desire for Memphis.
As we prepare for the presence of the military, let us continue to pray for our city.
Prayer for Cities, Book of Common Prayer, page 825
