St. Barnabas Setting for Interfaith Anti-Violence Discussion

The Thou Shalt Not Murder Campaign will host a panel discussion and ecumenical worship service at St. Barnabas Church from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.

A guest panel of faith and community leaders will engage attendees in a discussion of how they are addressing violence in our communities, what works and doesn’t work, and what concerned individuals can do to be part of the solution.

• Also on Patch: Faith Community Event at St. Barnabas ‘Is Not About Fr. Pfleger’

Panelists include Fr. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, Fr. David Kelly, executive director of Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation, and Chief Eugene Williams of the Chicago Police Department and president of the Chicago Chapter, NOBEL - National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

The campaign has designated March 27, Easter Sunday, as a “day without murder” in the city of Chicago.

After the discussion, panelists and audience members will join in prayer for healing in the city. People of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome.

The invitation to Fr. Pfleger and Thou Shalt Not Murder initially caused concern among some St. Barnabas parishioners as being “anti police.” Rev. William Malloy, the church pastor, has assured the community that the event is “anti-violence.”

“[It] it is crucial to the future well-being of our children and families that people of faith come together to prayerfully discuss the important issues we face, and seek solutions. I hope you agree that St. Barnabas Parish must be a part of that dialogue,” Fr. Malloy wrote in a letter to parishioners.

People of all denominations and faith traditions are welcome.

St. Barnabas Church is located at 10134 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago.