Ceasefire Sabbath

From Mayor Tom Barrett---

Dear Friends:

CEASEFIRE SABBATH

This weekend will mark our annual Ceasefire Sabbath, an initiative that enlists clergy and leaders of the faith community to deliver a message of non-violence throughout Milwaukee.

Ceasefire Sabbath is a critical part of my efforts to galvanize the community in the mission to fight crime, reduce violence and make every Milwaukee neighborhood safer.

The reason is clear: faith is the cornerstone of a healthy and productive community. Historically religious leaders have led the charge for social justice and change. I believe the same still holds true today.

Across the city this weekend, in churches, synagogues and mosques, we are asking the community to stand with us and help us rid the city of the violence that is killing our brothers and sisters, neighbors, classmates and friends.

I will personally visit five houses of worship during Ceasefire Sabbath to deliver this message, and I encourage all of you to spread the word – we need the community and the police to work together. We need to show strength in our neighborhoods that violence will not be tolerated.

I know that the criminals aren’t likely to be in church this weekend, but their mothers are; their girlfriends are; and their neighbors are. That is why I need every single person who cares about crime in our community to stand with me to make Milwaukee a safer, stronger City. Together, we can solve Milwaukee’s crime problems.

Although Barrett will be preaching to the choir, I think this is a worthwhile effort. It's wise to tap the influence of the city's religious leaders. It's a reminder that members of the community need to work with law enforcement to stem violence.

Barrett's right.

The thugs won't be in church, but people who know them may be.

Also, children, the next generation of thugs, may also be influenced by hearing Barrett's sermon. Who knows?

Barrett is unlikely to win any converts. I assume that the churchgoers are already on the right path.

Still, it's a good thing any time the mayor gets out in the community and speaks directly to the people.