June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and our “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the role of the Black church in helping to reduce gun violence in our communities. The Church of the Messiah in Detroit held its 19th annual “Silence the Violence” march and rally earlier this month. The event was founded by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Barry Randolph. It honors the innocent victims of gun violence and brings together residents, faith leaders, elected officials, and law enforcement to find ways to end the violence.

Host Stephen Henderson has a candid conversation with the Rev. Lawrence Rodgers, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Detroit, and Teferi Brent, director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Safety and men’s minister at Fellowship Chapel in Detroit. They discuss how the Black church and the City of Detroit are addressing the root causes of gun violence.

Rev. Rodgers says the church’s role includes elevating the teachings of Jesus and emphasizing themes of repentance and forgiveness. He also points out how the church  serves tirelessly when called upon to officiate funerals for gun victims and comfort grieving families and communities with messages of hope and restoration. Rev. Rodgers discusses the importance of the church teaching conflict resolution skills to young people, as well as holding gun safety classes and passing out gunlocks. He also talks about the church helping to destigmatize mental illness.

Brent discusses why Mayor Mary Sheffield established the new office he heads up for the City of Detroit and outlines his goals for the office.  Additionally, citing his work in the church and community, Brent explains how the Black church plays a major role in stopping gun violence by promoting peace, prevention, and intervention. He reflects on the murder of a friend 40 years ago and how that tragedy led to the creation of an organization named Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD), which worked to reduce teen violence and homicides. Brent explains how the community continues to build on SOSAD’s work through Community Violence Intervention and other programs.