Walking in peace, standing against violence

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw and officers joined faith leaders and community members in a prayer walk in the Lawrence Heights neighbourhood on September 18.

“When we reflect on what is happening in our communities, there is something about faith,” he said. “While we pray differently, we are all united in our faith. No matter how we worship, we are committed to ensuring that there is an eradication of gun violence in our communities, particularly in this one that continues to mourn the loss of lives and recover and heal from the harm that guns have caused.”

Member of Provincial Parliament Michelle Cooper and Councillor James Pasternak took part in the walk.

Demkiw thanked the politicians for their participation.

“The challenges we face will not be solved by any one group,” he pointed out. “It takes all of us coming together in a unique way. We have seen young people involved in violence, particularly gun violence, at a rate that is very alarming. It is a call to action for all of us to do everything we can to support our communities and support our young people to find a different path forward, one filled with hope and opportunities.”

For Inspector Paul Rinkoff of 32 Division, this was his third prayer walk.

“It pleases me to see leaders from different faiths and more community members coming out each year,” he said. “Police work with faith leaders and community members to discuss the issues that are impacting the community, including safety. We continue to have those discussions and look for ways to improve our relationships and develop solutions for some of the serious issues we face in society.”

Toronto Police Chaplain Wendell Gibbs, the pastor of First Toronto Baptist Church which is the oldest Black institution in Toronto and the oldest in Ontario, took part in the walk in 32 Division.

“By doing this, we want to show we are seeking a more peaceful and harmonious community against the angst of violence and crime,” he said.

Toronto Police Service members and faith leaders simultaneously walked in every Division in the city on September 18.

Every month for the last two decades, Toronto Police Neighbourhood Officers in 23 Division and Black faith leaders have walked through Etobicoke, meeting community members and engaging them in prayer.

The Prayer Walk is an extension of the Etobicoke Strategy led by Revs. Carmen Lewis and Andrew King.