On Friday, March 22 at 6 pm, Episcopalians from across northern Illinois and their partners in more than 65 faith-based and civic organizations will gather for CROSSwalk, a second annual four-mile procession to remember Chicago’s murdered youth.
CROSSwalk, which also seeks to connect participants with opportunities to protect children, mitigate violence and support families, will begin with a service on the plaza at St. James Commons, 65 E. Huron in downtown Chicago. Event information and free registration is available online at www.crosswalkchicago.org.
"We simply cannot continue to ignore the heartwrenching loss of young life that occurs with such horrifying frequency in Chicago and other cities in northern Illinois," Bishop Jeff Lee said. "CROSSwalk calls us to pray, to build relationships and to act as though lives depend on us. And they do."
Participants in the procession will be asked to make three commitments: to travel to Springfield and lobby the state legislature for stricter gun laws on April 11; to take part in the citywide volunteer day on May 11, and to provide summer employment for young people.
More than 1,000 people participated in the first CROSSwalk last March, and this year organizers are hoping to double that number. The procession will wend its way from St. James Commons to Daley Plaza and Old St. Patrick's Church before reaching Stroger Hospital, where many victims of Chicago’s gun violence die or are treated. At each stop, those in procession will pray, listen to reflections from those whose lives have been shattered by violence, and hear a call to action.
More than 65 faith and civic organizations from throughout the city and suburbs will participate in the