Hampton Roads community leaders are praying for peace ahead of Election Day

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

Community leaders from our seven cities gathered at the church on Lesner Avenue in Norfolk on Sunday. They are from different backgrounds and different faiths. Their voices were raised praying for peace in our communities, our cities and our country.

“The elections are approaching on Tuesday. Therefore, we must take seriously what is happening in our city, as well as in our country,” Bro said. Pastor Kai Stephen. “I grew up when my grandmother told you that prayer changes things.”

The group said there is a lot at stake both locally and for the nation.

“I think I’m one of the people who say, along with a lot of others, that the city of Norfolk is not right, and I think in different (cities), whether it’s Virginia Beach, Chesapeake … you’re going to find the same problems ” said Brother Pastor Stevens.

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

We have seen division, resentment and violence this year on local and national stages. Voters are tense. One example of chaos there is burning of ballot boxes in the states of Oregon and Washington. The strain enters our lives. A survey by the American Psychological Association shows that 69 percent of the country emphasized about elections

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

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

“You need to take a serious look at the candidates. We don’t believe you should just get carried away with voting, you should investigate why you are voting,” Pastor Stephen added.

Regardless of the result, there is also a message:

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

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