The congregation of a Richmond church is taking to the streets in a bid to use prayer to halt the rash of homicides afflicting the city.

Last Saturday, the Temple of Judah sent people to sites where 18 people were gunned down this year. At each site, they prayed and ministered to community members for two hours.

“We want people in those areas to know that there is hope and a caring approach for them,” said Crystal Thomas, a spokeswoman for the church based on Venable Street in Church Hill and led by Bishop Melvin Williams Jr.

Bishop Williams said that the Temple of Judah has a history of community outreach and is reinstituting an initiative known as “God’s Army” to help members of the community affected by gun violence.

He said the plan is to return each week to those sites and any additional sites where fatal shootings occur. Richmond Police has recorded 20 homicides as of April 19 this year.

“The goal is to empower residents to share their feelings and participate in the process of diminishing crime,” Bishop Williams said.

He said the God’s Army initiative is open to all faiths and any members of the Richmond community who want to participate.

Additional information: (804) 780-0841 or contact@templeofjudah.org.