"The Role of Churches in Addressing Urban Violence with Rev. Charles Harrison"

Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Bishop Julius C. Trimble is the Resident Bishop of the Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church.

Bishop Trimble has the personal mission to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential. It is his commitment to his personal mission that led Bishop Trimble to create the “To Be Encouraged” Podcast along with co-host Rev.Dr. Brad Miller.

Bishop Trimble says, “I am compelled by Jesus to share with you an encouraging word or two about Jesus, theology, the Bible, the pandemic, the environment, racism, voting rights, human sexuality, and the state of the United Methodist Church.”

To Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble is to be published weekly and is available at www.tobeencouraged.com and all the podcast directories.

https://www.inumc.org/bishop/office-of-the-bishop/

• Episode 067: ""The Role of Churches in Addressing Urban Violence with Rev. Charles Harrison"

Introduction:

In a episode 067 of the "To Be Encouraged" podcast, Reverend Dr. Brad Miller had the privilege of hosting Reverend Charles Harrison from the Barnes United Methodist Church and the Indianapolis 10-point coalition. This powerful conversation shed light on the pressing issue of urban violence, particularly among young men of color. Here are three key takeaway points from this thought-provoking episode.

1. Urban Violence: A Health Epidemic We Must Address:

One disturbing statistic shared by Rev. Charles Harrison is that half of the deaths of black males between the ages of 12 and 24 are due to homicide. Urban violence is not just a criminal issue; it is a public health crisis. Homicide remains the leading cause of death for black males between the ages of 1 and 44. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, Rev. Harrison emphasizes the need to address urban violence as a health epidemic rather than solely as a law enforcement matter.

2. The Crucial Role of Faith-Based Communities:

Faith-based communities, specifically churches, have a vital role to play in tackling urban violence. The Indianapolis 10-point coalition, an inspiring faith-based group led by Rev. Harrison, aims to address the immediate imbalance on the streets while also targeting the root causes of violence. By utilizing the resources and ministries within churches, such as mental health counselors and peace initiatives, the coalition provides holistic support to individuals and families affected by violence.

One unique aspect of their work is the involvement of former gang members, referred to as OGs (original gangsters), who have transformed their lives. These individuals now advocate for peace within their community. Rev. Harrison highlights the importance of supporting these individuals who have turned to Jesus Christ and are dedicated to making amends for their past actions. Their firsthand experiences and redemption stories play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the faith-based community and those affected by violence.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships as Catalysts for Change:

Addressing urban violence requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, organizations, and communities. Rev. Charles Harrison emphasizes the importance of building relationships and effective communication to bring about lasting change. The Indianapolis 10-point coalition has successfully reduced murders 20 times since implementing its strategies in 2016. Their partnership-based approach involves engaging with individuals involved in gangs or drug activities, providing alternatives, and resolving conflicts without violence.

Furthermore, the significance of addressing mental health within communities cannot be understated. Rev. Harrison suggests that churches should have mental health counselors to provide support and counseling to individuals and families affected by violence. By viewing mental health as a vital aspect of overall well-being, churches can address the underlying issues that contribute to urban violence. This approach is transferable, adaptable, and can be applied in various settings, including suburban, small town, and rural areas.

Conclusion:

The conversation between Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Rev. Charles Harrison at the Annual Conference sheds light on the critical issue of urban violence and offers hope for change. By viewing urban violence as a health epidemic, involving faith-based communities, and fostering collaboration and partnerships, we can work towards reducing violence, creating safer communities, and providing support to those affected. As we address this pressing issue, let us remember that change begins with each one of us, taking small but meaningful steps towards a brighter future.

To Contact Rev. Charles Harrison

Barnes United Methodist-Indianapolis IN

[e-mail]