Local church promotes a different way to help stop gun violence in Birmingham community

Members of the St. Mary's Catholic Church are promoting a new way to help stop gun violence in the Birmingham community.

The church is holding prayer services every six weeks in different churches in the area.

“Prayer does change things. It really does,” said Deacon Walter Henderson.

These prayer services began back in 2022 but a rise in gun violence led to a larger need. Henderson said he's relying on his and his congregation's faith to put an end to this unnecessary loss of life.

"Its gotten to be where the default seems to be going to pulling a gun and firing it. And that's something that's simply got to stop," said Henderson, "We believe in Jesus. We believe in his saving grace and we believe in the power of prayer."

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The church has also partnered with local law enforcement to promote the importance of a united front.

“We’re focusing on putting the guns down. Let’s love one another, get along with one another and solve our conflict other ways other than using violence,” said Sheriff Mark Pettway with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office.

Birmingham Chief of Police Scott Thurmond hoping the collaboration will promote more trust between the community and local law enforcement.

“This is one of the many ways that we work to improve that relationship and hopefully get information to flow to the police departments, sheriffs departments and hopefully we can solve some of these crimes and make our city and community safe,” said Chief Scott Thurmond with the Birmingham Police Department.

These prayer services will continue until a decrease in gun violence is seen in the community.