St. Louis, MO (KTRS) Faith leaders are calling for peace and solidarity amid the civil unrest in St. Louis following the acquittal of a former police officer in the fatal shooting of a suspect.
An interfaith prayer service was held in downtown St. Louis on Tuesday afternoon, aimed at uniting the community. The crowd gathered at Kiener Plaza and endured the St. Louis heat and humidity to listen to words of inspiration from faith leaders such as Archbishop Robert Carlson, “Our affirmation of peace is a public commitment to justice. Where there is no justice, there cannot be peace.”
Carlson was responsible for organizing the event.
Reverend Linden Bowie, the president of the Missionary Baptist State Convention of Missouri, also spoke at the event. His message echoed other interfaith speakers, reflecting on racial injustice.
“Let’s make it up in our collective minds that justice and fair treatment ought to the right of everyone of God’s children, regardless of race, creed, color and we are going to stand together to make that happen.” Bowie said.
The service was followed by a march of solidarity to St. Louis City Hall.
Meanwhile, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson canceled her town hall meetings scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday nights as threats of protests loom.
In addition, Krewson is addressing the accusations of police intimidation by protesters.
In a released statement, Krewson said, “I want to assure all citizens that complaints of misconduct that have been made are being reviewed by the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division. Our officers are working long hours under tense and sometimes hostile situations, for that I again thank them. Tense and hostile situations are what they are trained for, and as public servants we are rightly held to the highest professional standards. I expect, as does Chief O’Toole, that the men and women who dutifully serve and protect our city will conduct themselves professionally.”
There were no violent protests on Monday and Tuesday, following the violent demonstrations over the weekend.
