Hampton Roads community leaders pray for peace ahead of Election Day

NORFOLK, Virginia. This election season has left many divisive and anxious. Now a group in Norfolk is hoping to bring people together.

Community leaders from our seven cities gathered at Lesner Avenue Church in Norfolk on Sunday. They come from different walks of life and different faiths. Their voices were raised, they prayed for peace in our communities, our cities and our country.

“The elections are coming up on Tuesday. So we have to take seriously what is happening in our city and also in our country,” Breaux said. Pastor Kaya Stephen. “I grew up in a time when your grandmother told you that prayer changes things.”

The group said there is a lot at stake, both locally and nationally.

“I think I’m one of many who say the city of Norfolk is not doing very well, and I think in different cities, whether it’s Virginia Beach, Chesapeake… you’ll find the same problems.” , said Bro. Pastor Stevens.

“This country is called the United States of America. I served 20 years in the Navy, and to see the disunity within the country I fought to unite is heartbreaking,” added Bishop Joe Chase Jr., bishop of the Church of God in Christ. over the jurisdiction of Greater Jamaica.

This year we have seen controversy, abuse and violence on local and national stages. Voters are on edge. One example of the chaos is the burning of ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington. Tension permeates our lives. An American Psychological Association poll shows that 69 percent of the country is stressed about the election.

But the group gathered at the church wants you to feel empowered as you vote.

“I may not agree with your choice, and you may not agree with my choice, but we, as citizens, have a responsibility to vote. And not voting is voting,” Bishop Chase Jr. said.

“We need to take a serious look at the candidates. We don’t think you should just be enthusiastic about voting, you should examine why you vote,” Pastor Stephen added.

Regardless of the result, there is a message:

“I pray that we can come together as a community and stop washing our dirty laundry in public and sit down at the table and talk like they did at Big Mama’s table,” Bishop Chase Jr. said.

And after the election, the group hopes that we will hold our elected officials and ourselves accountable.