MT. VERNON (WSIL) -- A pair of churches in Mt. Vernon came together Wednesday evening to hold a prayer vigil.
The Mt. Vernon Baptist Temple and Family Life Church invited the community out for scripture readings and prayers for peace at the Times Square Mall parking lot.
Protesters were also present and encouraged by organizers to join them in their prayer vigil; many of those protesters did join in.
Church leaders say the event was aimed at bringing people together during a time when things may feel divided and uncertain.
"It's not just the churches coming together, but community leaders as well - especially the ones protesting [here]; they were very welcoming of us coming here to pray - even to join together in prayer. I love it. It blesses me to see that kind of unity here in Mt. Vernon," says Pastor Kent Jackson.
Church leaders say they encourage local leaders in other communities to step up and call for peace and unity among their neighbors. Adding that, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what side anyone is on.
