Can prayer solve violence? What to know about Gov. Matt Bevin's anti-violence plan

Courier Journal

Gov. Matt Bevin told the audience of around 400 that roaming prayer groups in the city's West End could be a start of helping curb the violence. "I'm going to ask you to walk that block, do it at the same time every single week," Bevin said. "I'm going to ask you to stick with your block all year."

Gov. Matt Bevin spoke to community leaders in Louisville on Thursday about the city's growing problems with violence and announced a prayer-centric plan that he hopes will help mobilize the city.

Here's what you need to know.

1. Bevin wants prayer walks on certain Louisville blocks for a year

The governor urged residents to commit to walking a particular block of the city two to three times a week for the next year.

Participants can form small groups of three to 10 people to do these walks, during which they can pause at each corner to pray together and stop to chat with folks they meet.

He suggested starting out by holding these walks at 7 p.m. and recommended focusing on blocks located within several of Louisville's West End ZIP codes.

Background:Bevin's solution to violence: West End prayer patrols

2. Prayer walks are meant to be 'somewhat organic'

Although Bevin came up with this block-walking idea, he said people should take it and make it their own. The state government isn't going to organize this effort, but he said houses of worship could help lead the charge.

"You don't need permission from me how to do it. You know, you walk to a corner, pray for the people, talk to people along the way," he said. "No songs, no singing, no bullhorn, no T-shirts, no chanting. Be pleasant, talk to the people, that's it."

3. Plan gets mixed reactions

Theresa Miller tells Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin that prayers aren't the only answer to helping curb violence; economic infusion with jobs and opportunities are needed during his speech Thursday at Western Middle School.

The governor unveiled his plan during a packed meeting of at least 400 people at Western Middle School.

Some people felt Bevin's idea was too simplistic and wouldn't address the economic and social problems that are underlying causes of the city's violence. Others were pleased to see him directly address this issue and encourage residents to get involved.

On this topic:'Pray on it fam': Social reactions to Bevin's call to end violence

4. Walks not meant to be a single solution

Bevin emphasized that his proposal will be just one component of Louisville's long-term battle against violence.

He said his administration is taking steps to combat crime. For example, job-training programs are being brought to Kentucky's prisons to help prevent people from reoffending.

"All that must continue," he said. "But the point of today was to talk about something that wasn't financial."

More on this topic:Bevin blasts 'out of control' gun violence in Louisville

5. Some want Bevin to take more action

Crescent Hill Baptist Church minister Jason Crosby says Gov. Matt Bevin needs to go to other areas of Louisville if he's going to tackle the problem of violence.

Local religious leaders and activists said Thursday that they hope the governor will continue to focus on this issue and devote more time and state resources toward assisting the city and its residents.

The West Louisville Ministers Coalition, for example, proposed 10 additional courses of action Bevin could take. The coalition wants him to consider working toward reforming gun regulations and attaining a more equitable distribution of state contracts for African-American businesses.