Flint religious leaders plan on taking to streets on Saturday to pray, after a recent spike in violent crime.
At least a dozen people in Flint were wounded in gunfire last weekend, including one 17 year old girl who died of her injuries. While Flint has seen other forms of criminal activity decline in 2020, there has been an increase in violent crime overall, along with a slight increase in homicides.
In response, a coalition of Flint religious leaders plan to spend part of Saturday praying on street corners around the city.
Rev. Alfred Harris admits some people say “you got to do more than pray.”
But Harris adds “(We) want to make it clear....that prayer must be a part of the equation.”
The religious leaders held a news conference Thursday to announce their plans a short distance from the parking lot of a half empty shopping center. Saturday night, six people were wounded when gunfire erupted during a ‘pop-up party’ that drew an estimated 1,000 people.
Rev. Chris Martin says this weekend’s prayers are part of a larger plan.
“It is important that young people and young adults in this community understand that we do more than preach,” says Martin.
The religious leaders also plan to push for more economic development in Flint and greater mentoring for young adults.
