Area churches unite to offer virtual service for racial healing

KENNETT SQUARE » Following the death of George Floyd, many religious leaders in Chester County have taken to the pulpit to condemn racism. Now, some churches are banding together to offer a virtual community prayer service for racial healing.

The idea originated from Christopher Rogers, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square.

“Does (racism) exist in our community? I would say it does,” Rogers said. We each have to be responsible for any racism we might find in ourselves. It exists in many different forms and ways here in our community. Thank

fully, we haven’t seen the violence we have seen elsewhere.”

The virtual service will take place Sunday, July 26 at https://firstbaptistkennettsquare. com/streaming.

It will also will be on Facebook and You Tube at https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchks and https:// www.youtube.com/ channel/UCukZK95VFLVknj-5C6lRFPQ.

Churches involved include First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, Episcopal Church in Kennett Square, Unionville Presbyterian Church, Bethel AME Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square, Greater Works Ministry, Kennett Square Presbyterian Church and Willowdale Chapel in Unionville.

“We’re excited about it,” Rogers said. “It will be a half-hour prayer service, and we are asking for God’s mercy, strength and healing.

Most of the churches in the Kennett area have not reopened since being closed when Pennsylvania went into the red phase due to the coronavirus crisus.

“Praying together and asking for God’s healing and mercy is a very powerful thing,” Rogers said.