Photo By Michael Alexander

Rev. Dr. G. Gil Watson, senior pastor of Northside United Methodist Church, Atlanta, collaborated with Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Murriel, pastor of Cliftondale United Methodist Church, College Park, to pull together an interfaith prayer service for unity and healing following the tragic deaths of two African-American men shot by policemen, one in Baton Rouge, La., and one in Minneapolis, Minn., and a sniper attack killing five police officers in Dallas, Texas, over three consecutive days, July 5-7. Photo By Michael Alexander

ATLANTA—An ecumenical prayer service for the nation took place Sunday, July 10, at 4 p.m. at Northside United Methodist Church, 2799 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, where Dr. Gil Watson is senior pastor.

Msgr. Francis McNamee, rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, took part on behalf of the Catholic community. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory has asked all pastors of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to offer a special Mass or participate in an ecumenical prayer service in their communities for those who were killed in Dallas, for their families and loved ones and for all of the first responders who worked to save and comfort the victims and to console their friends and families.

He also asked every parish in the archdiocese to include in the Prayer of the Faithful this weekend July 9-10 the following intercessions:
“For all who serve us in public life as first responders and who daily place their lives at risk for our safety. We pray especially for the police officers who died in the horrific violence in Dallas, for their families, their loved ones, and those who served alongside them. We pray for a restoration of the respect and honor that is due to those in public life whose civic service makes our nation both secure and free.”

“Let us lift our voices in support for all those who too frequently find themselves victims of bigotry, injustice, and racism. May the laws of our nation be followed so that the brutal and unjust treatment of any citizen is both acknowledged and rectified. For peace in our streets and within our hearts.”
“For a restoration of civility, decorum, and respect in public discourse. May those who have a voice in media, politics, religion, or government speak honestly, with integrity, and in a manner that seeks to heal and unite rather than divide and inflame.”