Churches in the Bridgeport neighborhood and surrounding areas organized a Repentance Walk for Racial Injustice and Violence recently.
“In light of the recently highlighted and longstanding realities of racial injustice and violence in our city and nation, as well as the recent reports of neighbors wielding bats and questioning passers-by about their residence addresses and activities, recent discrimination against Asian-Americans in the midst of COVID-19, and a history of racial tensions in Bridgeport, churches desire to speak out about these wrongs and a desired vision for a flourishing neighborhood,” said Zach Savella Stallard, location pastor for the Cornerstone Anglican Church-Bridgeport.
“As spiritual leaders in the community, these congregations are repenting on behalf of the community for participation in historic violence and racial injustice, as a participatory step toward breaking these patterns and moving forward toward hope, justice, and welcome for all,” Stallard added.
The walk began at Donovan Park at 37th Street and Lituanica Avenue and progressed along Halsted Street to McGuane Park with stops for prayer led by local pastors. Community members joined in a spirit of repentance, lament, and hope.
Besides Cornerstone Anglican Church, the walk included participation by First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, Glorious Light Church, New Life Community Church, Park Community Church, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and Urban Voice Community Church. Many of these houses of worship participate in regular Pray Bridgeport gatherings, offering prayer for the neighborhood; see praybridgeport.com for more information.
“The hope of the churches is that this event will be part of growing dialogue among churches, neighbors, and other organizations about moving forward toward greater understanding, love, welcome, and justice in the ways Bridgeport, its residents, and its surrounding neighborhoods interact,” Stallard said.
Cornerstone Anglican Church Bridgeport is at 3039 S. Normal Ave. See https://cornerstonechicago.com/bridgeport/