Joliet Pastors Lead Sunday Prayer Walk To Stop Gun Violence

A pair of Joliet pastors have organized a community prayer walk to address the alarming spike in gun-related homicides and shootings in Joliet.

The “Stop the Gun Violence” walk is set for Sunday, March 29. Residents will start gathering in the Sacred Heart Church parking lot at 337 S. Ottawa St. around noon and step off at 1 p.m.

The anti-violence walk will progress for 2.5 miles covering areas where the shootings have taken place. Organizers hope to reach out to residents and families affected by the shootings.

Pastor Clint Wilburn, of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, says the recent the spate of gun violence is the worst he’s ever seen in his 19 years in Joliet. Much of that violence has been centered around the city’s east side, including the Forest Park area known as “The Hill.”.

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“Since Thanksgiving there have been 12 gun-related homicides,” Wilburn said. “We believe that every individual deserves an opportunity to out their lives completely.”

Wilburn said he’s spoken to many residents in the affected east side neighborhoods who are frightened and fed up with the violence.

“We’ve had conversations with elected officials and those running for public office,” he said. “I think there is cooperation is there. They share the same values. They’ve talked about development on the east side.”

Pastor Lonnie Posley, of New Canaan Land Christian Church and co-organizer of the anti-violence walk, stated that not all of the shootings are gang-related.

“I’ve seen a snowball effect,” Posley said. “Some have had mental health issues, and others have been domestic violence.”

Dozens of Joliet churches and community organizations are expected to participate in the “Stop the Gun Violence” walk on Sunday.

Participants are also encouraged to make signs and “bombard the neighborhood with prayer,” the organizers said.

For more information on Sunday’s prayer walk and other events addressing public safety in Joliet, visit the Men of Valor 2 Facebook page.

READ Patch’s coverage of gun crime in Joliet:

Woman Gunned Down on Joliet’s East Side

Joliet Man Comes At Cops With Assault Rifles, Gets Shot: Police

Store Owner’s Son, Suspect Killed in Joliet Food Mart Shootout