LAPD CLERGY SUMMIT

Today, June 28, 2008, the Los Angeles Police Department held a summit for religious leaders. It was held to educate clergy on the problems with gang violence in Los Angeles, and how people of faith might take part in finding some solutions. After the courtesies—greetings from the mayor, invocation, etc., the first item on the agenda was a presentation on the state of gangs and violence today.

We learned that while homicides are down from the 1992 high, homicides have increased this year. We learned that gang membership sometimes gets passed down from father to son, uncle to nephew. We learned that it is more common for women to be involved in the more violent aspects of gang life than it used to be. And most distressing of all, we learned that these gangs are holding their neighborhoods hostage, with direct and brutal retaliation against anyone who reports crime to the police or who appears as witnesses against gang members in court.

But there is good news, too. A bright line of connection was drawn between the availability of living wage jobs and the ability of former gang members to get out of gang life and into successful lives.. Three trade unions: the Iron Workers, the Electricians, and the Pipe Fitters all have programs to help former convicts get their G.E.D.'s and get good jobs. The workers are proud to see the buildings they've helped to create, buildings like the new Police Headquarters.

Churches and people of faith are being invited to help with a pilot program this summer, serving meals to kids who are taking part in recreation programs being held Wednesday-Saturday nights from 4pm to midnight in eight locations around Los Angeles. When former city councilmember Martin Ludlow held such a program at a park in his then-district, the homicide rate for that summer fell to zero in that district.

The difficulties in overcoming gang violence are large, but we were reminded that most social change programs at first seem impossible to realize. The civil rights movement, for instance, was initially won by a combination of courageous action on the part of concerned people and faith leaders; laws were changed; and the new laws were enforced. As a result important changes have been realized.

The theme of the Summit was "welcoming the Prodigal Son." It was heartening to hear it from the L.A.P.D.—even gang members are people too, and they need places of welcome where they can be embraced when they are ready to change. It seems like a good foundation is being laid for positive change in our city. I pray we continue in the courage to face history, face this problem, and work together for the solutions.