Christian pastors from different races and denominations gathered in San Diego on October 1 to pray for unity in the community after three black men were shot and killed by the police last week in the span of five days.
The prayer gathering was held at the El Cajon Police Department Headquarters, according to Christian Today. The gathering was led by Pastor Rolland Slade of Meridian Baptist Church, Pastor David Hoffman of Foothills Christian Church in El Cajon, Pastor Jim Garlow of Skyline Church, and David Joseph of Last Harvest Arabic Church.
Alfred Olango was fatally shot on Tuesday in the San Diego suburb of El Cajon when he pointed an electronic cigarette that looked like a gun at an officer. His death was followed by three days of violent protests, according to ABC News. Olango’s death was followed by Reginald Thomas’ death on Friday in Pasadena and 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr.’s death in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Pastor David Hoffman prayed for order in the aftermath of the shootings and its effect on the community
"We pray that you would thwart those who would bring unrest, damage and chaos to our city and our county," Hoffman prayed at the event, according to NBC San Diego.
Pastor Rolland Slade asked God for "truth, transparency and transformation,” in light of the divisions that the events brought to the community.
