On Wednesday the flag at Portland City Hall was flown at half-staff to honor Bethel. “Portland and Oregon are stronger, more resilient and more united because of Dr. Bethel’s lifelong work,” Mayor Wheeler said. “Dr. Bethel’s legacy and vision will carry on for generations because he was an influential leader that built bridges across differences, envisioned solutions to our city’s challenges, and invited and challenged all of us in enhancing and enforcing civil rights protections for all.” Here are other statements made by faith and state leaders about Rev. Bethel: "The Rev. Dr. T. Allen Bethel was a prophetic voice who preached a message of fierce justice. He believed we had an obligation to free people from oppression. So Dr. Bethel championed police reform, an end to gun violence, and a better Portland for young people. He was a friend." — Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie