Clergy Aims To Curb Violent Indy Summer

INDIANAPOLIS -- A group of clergy members came together Tuesday morning to again call for an end to violence in the city.

The pastors said they will not sit by idly and let violence overrun the streets of Indianapolis this summer, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

The move came days after three people were killed at an apartment on Indianapolis' far-east side, marking the beginning of what police and community members fear could be a long summer of violence.

Healing Streams Church Pastor Thomas Hill and others said there needs to be more promotion and awareness of programs that already exist to keep young people occupied and off the street, and more organizations need to step up with new ideas.

"It's time. What we're doing is the right thing. There are all kinds of activities and events that go on, but because we're kind of isolated in our own pockets, it's kind of kept quiet," Hill said. "One of the things we want to do is bring it to the surface."

A list of events is being compiled and will be posted on the organization's Web site, drivebyprayer.com.

One of the challenges for the community is creativity -- coming up with events that will attract those that might get into trouble if they are in the streets.

Second Baptist Church, on Indianapolis' west side, attracts children on the weekends with a night of free video games and other festivities called Friday Night Live. As many as 100 youth show up for food, music and games from 7 to 11 p.m.

"It's cool to hang out, because you've got the same people. I've got my friends," said Jay Clay, who attends Friday Night Live.

Ministers asked churches and community groups that don't already have programs for youth to create options to keep children entertained.

Clergy members said parents and grandparents can play a vital role in encouraging children to take part in the events.