CHICAGO, IL (September 19, 2016) – David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church, and North Park University provost Michael Emerson are among the faith and community leaders steering anti-violence events across the city to be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 24.

“Call to Peace” is an interfaith effort to respond to the catastrophic rate of shootings and murders in the city. Congregations and organizations may visit the “Call for Peace” website for more information and to sign up to participate.

Swanson noted that more than 3,000 Chicagoans have been shot and more than 522 have been killed so far this year. Those numbers are higher than in New York and Los Angeles combined. He added that since 2001, more Americans have been killed in Chicago than have died fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On average, 12 people are shot each day and the murder rate is at a 20-year high.

Swanson said the events are calling for:

Faith and community leaders also helping to lead the effort include Jesus People USA Covenant Church, New Community Church in Logan Square, North Park Covenant Church, and North Park University.