December 21, 2021
Re: Gun Violence and Youth Violence and Aggression
The pastors and ministers of the IMA have reached the precipice of our concerns and outrage as our community of Toledo and vicinity have been immersed in the pain and suffering of continued gun violence.
We know there are no easy or uncomplicated answers to this concern. However, we can’t be silent in the midst of this community that s under siege and suffering.
This violence places every citizen at risk – the young and not so young. We must put aside petty division and misunderstanding and form a solid collaboration of community resources that era equitable and not marginalized as in the past.
We are committed to do our part as leaders in the faith community and we challenge government and law enforcement and educators to do theirs. Intergenerational blending and mentoring are methods to resolving many of the misconceptions that lead to youth aggression and gun violence but even that is not enough.
Sincerely,
Rev. Lee Williams, First Vice President Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Toledo & Vicinity Senior Pastor Search-lite Community Church, Maumee
Rev. Dr. Cedric Brock, President Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Toledo & Vicinity Senior Pastor Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Toledo