Boston police and elected officials joined the congregation at Morning Star Baptist Church in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood for prayer and soul searching Sunday.
Attorney General Maura Healey, Police Commissoner William Evans, and Mayor Marty Walsh, briefly spoke.
"Thank you for our prayers for our city," said Mayor Marty Walsh.
Many people watched the horror unfold last week when back-to-back fatal shootings of two Black men by police in Louisiana and Minnesota occurred. Then a military veteran murdered five Dallas cops, fueled by his hatred of white officers. The nation pluinged into fear and anger, a blame game, and another time of sober reflection.
Bishop John Borders says this isn't just a Black problem or a police problem, it's an American problem.
"To understand how Black people feel, you have to be in the shoes of Black people. To understand what law enforcement feels, you have to be in their shoes. That's the hard part," said Borders.
Borders believes this hard conversation needs to be engaged by everyone, working towards a solution.
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During service, attendees prayed for Boston police officers. some who cried and hugged complete strangers. Then, the pastor taught the children's Sunday school an important lesson from the heart.
"Don't be afraid of these uniforms," said Borders.
Borders hopes the nation can focus on this spirit of love and humility, turning to a higher power to heal and unite a country tired of violence.
