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Reclaiming Sites of Violence: Bringing Hope and Healing to Neighborhoods The Reverend Ruben Ortiz, Director of National Programs for Esperanza ( https://www.esperanza.us/ ) represents Hispanic Clergy on the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia. Recently he shared Moment of Blessing with his colleagues on the Council. For more than 20 years, Moment of Blessing has been used to offer solace and hope for families and neighbors living near the location of homicides. Religious leaders bring together those affected at the location desecrated by violence. They lead the community in prayer, adding readings as well as words of comfort and hope. The location is blessed; Divine comfort and love overpowering the fear and grief connected to that place. Moment of Blessing may be used as is or adapted so it is appropriate for the religious traditions and emotional needs of those who gather.   Moment of Blessing - Occasion of Homicide  GREETING  Grace and Peace to all of us in the name o

In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of homicides , a majority from gun violence. This blog series invites previously recognized Zones of Peace , an initiative of the Religious Leaders Council (RLC) of Greater Philadelphia, to share about their efforts to respond to and reduce gun violence. This series will highlight a range of effective and complementary approaches taken by Zones of Peace to address the crisis facing our city and our nation. The Zone of Peace highlighted here is The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations .This post was written b y Randy Duque, MA, KOR, Deputy Director, Community Relations Division.  One City Agency’s Effort to Help Address the Gun Violence Crisis Like many, I wake up each morning to learn of another shooting in the “City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.” Throughout the day, I hold on to the emotions I have as I respond to such heartbreaking news. I can’t help thinking about the traumatic impact these acts have on those directly involved and th