Police and faith-based associations are holding a series of anti-violence strolls through a portion of Hartford’s communities that are well known for being some of the most hit violent places. The first of the walks was held Monday in Hartford’s North End.
Regardless of the downpour, police, church leaders and occupants converged and together walked in the name of peace on the roads together with an end goal to stop the violence. They prayed and passed out flyers for an occasion that is targeted to help build relationships and restore faith among police and to build stronger and safer communities. It’s part of the 2022 National Faith and Blue weekend, empowering associations between policing, faith-based associations, and neighborhood occupants to assemble more security and trust between the three groups.
So far this year, there have been a total of 28 homicides in Hartford, which is a rise in crime from last year’s pace of 27 homicides close to the same period. In 2021, 34 homicides in the capital city altogether. Murder is on the rise pretty much all over cross country and in Connecticut. New information from the state shows that while there was a general decrease in crimes, murders and assaults were up in 2021. The report additionally shows there were three additional homicides in 2021 than in 2020.
“Especially with all the crime we’ve been having from the beginning of the year, we’re looking to express hope, love, unity, and trust. But also in partnership with public safety knowing and sharing with the community that they are here to help,” said William Cordero, Senior Pastor for New Life Worship Center.
Let the governments notice this as true unity. It is awesome to see the community, police, and most importantly the church walking together against violence. The most important thing is that God is involved, and in this day and age I believe we need all the Jesus Christ we can get. However, some might not know why the church is involved, or how this has to relate to Jesus, and to that I would point to the Bible as numerous scriptures speak of peace and love, but perhaps one of the easiest to understand commandments lies in John 13:34-35 which reads:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”
The group walked down Mather Street among other streets and areas located on the North End, which is the location where multiple criminals have committed horrendous crimes. In April, for example, a 33-year-old person was killed and three others were harmed in by the criminal on Mather and Bedford, as per police.
With flyers being handed out, the gathering is getting the message out about an event at New Life Worship Center on Sunday, October 9 featuring the alliance. Coordinators said it’s an opportunity for neighbors to meet with authorities, appreciate free food, and access local area resources.
“It reaches the people who need it the most to help us with solving crime, with preventing crime,” said Johnathon Rowe, a Faith-Based Community Administration Officer in Hartford.
This story syndicated with permission from My Faith News