Discussions on the best way to stem the tide of violence in Rochester continue throughout the community, including a Dec. 16 session at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.
“The only way to find the solution is to have the community come together and find a community-wide solution,” said the Rev. Roy Hedman, a member of Faith Community Alliance who is helping to coordinate the sessions.
The forums are cosponsored by Faith Community Alliance, Baptist Ministers Alliance and the Greater Rochester Community of Churches.
On Dec. 16, the Rev. Karen Carter asked for a show of hands of who in the audience had been a victim of violence. More than half raised their hands. Rev. Carter said she believes violence can be overcome by faith.
“Our goal is to demonstrate God’s presence in the community,” she said.
Rev. Carter said one possibility that has been mentioned is getting each church in the Rochester area to mentor and help several young people. She challenged participants to develop more ideas and community standards to address violence. Some participants suggested additional citizen patrols, while others posed prayer as a form of spiritual warfare.
Reflections and comments from some of the sessions are on the Greater Rochester Community of Churches’ Web site at www.grcc.org.
The next session will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 25 at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Another session is planned for Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Genesee Baptist Church, 149 Brooks Ave. For details, call the Greater Rochester Community of Churches at 585/254-2570 or e-mail grcc1@frontiernet.net.
