The Interfaith Group Crossing the Bridge
By Dalia Diaz
On Saturday, April 8th the Interfaith Group held a breakfast attended by 60-70 people to discuss the issue of violence in Lawrence. Although it was organized by a long list of churches of different denominations, the purpose was to attract families from the area to see how they can work together with schools, police, and medical science for the good of our children.
The Interfaith Group emerged as a result of the gas explosions that occurred in 2018 and has continued to provide services to the various emergencies that arise in our community.
The initial plan was to provide responses to the communities affected by the gas explosions and to seek short- and long-term responses from local, state, and federal authorities and the Columbia Gas Company.
To achieve these objectives, they convened faith leaders and leaders of other institutions that work in favor of the affected cities, the mayor, councilors, and state authorities such as Senator Ed Markey.
This initiative was joined by the Merrimack Valley Project (MVP) and other movements. They managed to get the gas company to immediately attend to the needs of the affected people, temporarily relocating them to hotels.
“We got the affected houses in South Lawrence to have their heating and hot water systems replaced and later that the affected families received financial compensation among other achievements,” said Rev. Joel Almonó. “We continue to work with 10 churches that developed a pilot program against violence with excellent results as many families participated in this program.”
With the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, the Interfaith Group began to seek help for the most vulnerable families, each week distributing more than 500 boxes of food that the Pastors brought to families in need.
After the pandemic emergency ended, they resumed the issue of violence and convened the Lawrence Pastors Association (AMEDAL), joining and forming the Project Building Bridges of Peace and Life.
They are currently working on this project with 30 churches from different parts of the city and each one will develop strategies and activities aimed at the family with the firm purpose of eradicating any violent manifestation in our city.
For this reason, with the launch of this activity, they open communication with families to see how they can cooperate.
Most of the presentation was given by Rev. Cassandra Chávez who clearly explained how violence is reflected in society. Later, Dr. María Ferreras from Ferreras Counseling was more direct pointing to mental health at home.
When parents are engrossed in work and worrying about paying debts, their children often suffer from their warmth and attention. When a woman is mistreated, the entire family suffers the consequences and that is the basis of the violence. Dr. Ferreras thinks that’s where to start, protecting our families.
“The community launch of this ambitious life and peace project will be this Sunday, April 30 at 10:00 am when the 30 churches will march from 4 different points of the city to Campagnone Common where we will gather to declare that commitment to work for La Paz of our beloved City of Lawrence,” said Rev. Joel Almonó.
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