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REX/ZUMA
World News

Archbishop appeals for calm in Ferguson

Most Revd Robert Carlson has been speaking after more violence in Ferguson where people are angry over the decision not to charge a white policeman who shot a black teenager.

Darren Wilson shot 18-year-old Michael Brown in August after an altercation.

There were consequently calls for him to be charged with murder but the grand jury ruled he should not face criminal charges.

It's led to hundreds taking to the streets to protest over the decision. On Tuesday night alone, 44 people were arrested.

In response to the disturbances Archbishop Robert released a video message in which he said: "I say to everyone hearing my voice today - choose peace.

"In the words of the great St John Paul II, violence is unworthy of man. Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth of our faith and the truth of humanity.

"Violence destroys but it claims to defend the dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings.

"Violence is a crime against humanity for it destroys the fabric of society.

The Catholic leader also called on families connected to the incident to lead the way in bringing about peace.

He said: "Commit to learning how to truly love one another.

"Fathers and mothers show your children the path of forgiveness and you'll see walls of division crumble."

Meanwhile, Darren Wilson has spoken for the first time about what happened.

He said he couldn't have done anything differently to prevent the shootings.

The protests have now spread outside of Ferguson.

Mostly peaceful demonstrations have taken place across the US but rioting was reported in Oakland, California.

Watch Archbishop Robert's message here:

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