Leaders hold vigil in central Toledo

Pray to end gun violence

Reverend Shirley A. Sparks says a prayer at St. Martin de Porres Church. Church leaders from across Toledo gathered to pray and talk about the recent violence that has broken out across Toledo.

Religious leaders and community members gathered outside St. Martin de Porres church Thursday evening to pray for an end to gun violence in Toledo.

The 22 people came together after a violent June with 27 people shot, one of whom was fatally wounded.

The prayer vigil was organized by the Toledo Area Ministries to “support awareness of safety in our neighborhoods and surrounding communities.”

The religious leaders said prayers specific to Toledo’s youth, asking families to rally around young people and pull them out of trouble and to have young people “put the gun down and pick up the books,” said the Rev. Cedric Brock, pastor of Mt. Nebo Church and president of the Interdenominational Minister’s Alliance.

The group planned to walk through the neighborhood following the prayer vigil, but canceled the walk; a 10:30 prayer vigil and walk was also canceled.