Press Conference: CLERGY AGAINST GUNS

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2012

Contact: Tai White | taidwhite@gmail.com | 718-454-0162(w); 917-683-1274

Senator Malcolm A. Smith Joins with Faith-Based Leaders from My Community and Us to Call for an End to Gang and Gun Violence

(Queens, NY)- New York State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) will unite with faith-based leaders from across the city through the My Community and Us initiative in a faith based movement to denounce the pandemic of gun and gang violence gripping the communities across New York.

The citywide movement will begin with a coordinated call for all clergy to take 3 pro-active steps:

1) To devote a portion of time each week from now until the end of summer in their respective houses of worship condemning the gun and gang violence.

2) To participate in a citywide day of prayer and fasting on the first and last weekend in the month of August.

3) To serve as an annex to the police department where individuals who see something can safely say something to their faith leaders.

Clergy and elected officials are invited to speak to voice their concern and express their commitment to the city’s safety.

The city of New York needs now more than ever for its faith leaders to come together across all five boroughs to make their presence felt on the front line of this epic struggle.

Who: My Community and Us (MC&U); MC&U Steering Committee: Bishop Joseph Mattera, Reverends Michael Faulkner, Mark Williams, Mullery Jean Pierre, Carlton Brown, Hector Bonano, Phil Craig, and Ms. Kristina Hosch

When: Friday, July 27, 2012

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Steps of City Hall

*Please RSVP with Senator Smith’s Office at 718-454-0162 with Tai White or Fred Simmons*