Religious Leaders Promise to 'Preach Peace' in Oakland

January 19, 2007

Author: Heather MacDonald

Source: Inside Bay Area

http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/ci_5043953

OAKLAND - Responding to a call from Mayor Ron Dellums, religious leaders from several Oakland churches, mosques and synagogues Thursday launched an effort to combat the rising tide of violence and hopelessness in Oakland.

Dubbed the Network for Interfaith Action, the effort is still in the planning stages but will focus on reducing violent crime in Oakland and improving public schools, said Harold Mayberry, pastor of the First AME Church.

"We will ensure that Oakland becomes the model city envisioned by Mayor Dellums," Mayberry said. "We will preach peace and work for peace."

Valerie Miles-Tribble, assistant minister at Imani Community Church, said the city's clergy must combat the hopelessness and the nihilism she sees in so many youths.

"We have an enormous battle on our hands," she said.

Mayberry said the group's announcement was spurred by a call last week from people upset by the treatment of Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente at the Jan. 8 mayoral inauguration.