Prayers for peace, officers

Interdenominational service for law officers safety, racial harmony

About 40 law enforcement members stood to be recognized during Sunday's interdenominational prayer service for law enforcement at Concord Baptist Church.
About 40 law enforcement members stood to be recognized during Sunday's interdenominational prayer service for law enforcement at Concord Baptist Church.

After a week of violence across the nation, hundreds of Jefferson City-area residents gathered to pray for those in law enforcement, as well as for peace, the end to racial strife and for those who died in last week's shootings.

Concord Baptist Church hosted a nearly packed interdenominational prayer service Sunday.

"It's an open door to come tonight to pray for our country, to pray for our community, to pray for those that are experiencing loss and specifically to pray for our law enforcement," said the Rev. John Forsythe, senior associate pastor at Concord. "Guys are out there serving, and they're trying to protect everybody's interests in the community and be what they're called to be: peace officers. And we just want to pray for protection for them and their families."

As people were still streaming in, he said they expected around 700-800 people.

The event was in response to last week's fatal shooting of five police officers by Micah Johnson, a black man and former Army veteran. Authorities said he wanted to kill white police officers in retaliation for recent shootings of blacks by white officers.

Protesters still were gathering Sunday night in Minnesota and Louisiana, where black men were fatally shot by police last week.

A prayer for racial reconciliation drew "amens" from the crowd.

Members of law enforcement at the event said they appreciate Jefferson City residents' support.

"I think it's a good opportunity for us to connect with the people we serve outside the patrol car," said Capt. Michael Turner, Troop F Commander of the Missouri Highway Patrol. "Obviously the country is in it's a difficult time for everyone right now. And we appreciate the tremendous support we've received."

A handmade sign near the intersection of Missouri and Stadium boulevards expressed support for law enforcement.

Around 40 law enforcement officers stood to be recognized during the event, then groups prayed over the ones nearest to them.

At times, the service was emotional, and people could be seen dabbing their eyes with tissues.

About two dozen other church pastors attended, and many played a part in the hour-long service.

The Rev. Cornell Sudduth, pastor of Second Baptist Church, prayed the focus remain on Jesus: "Let it not be about black and white, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican. Let it be about you."

Concord's senior pastor, Monte Shinkle, said he was "blown away" by the turnout. Near the end, attendees gave him a standing ovation for his role in organizing the event.

Forsythe said Shinkle "ran with" the idea after members of the church who have ties to law enforcement suggested it.

"Thank you for coming," Shinkle said told the crowd. "When we do it again, let's do it under better circumstances."

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