“Let’s Talk,” a clergy-led community discussion about race, violence and faith for Meridian and the surrounding area, laid the foundation for a weekly prayer conference call at Thursday evening’s meeting at Life Church.

The prayer conference is scheduled at noon each Wednesday, beginning Aug. 10. The conferences, which are led by local pastors, are designed to offer local residents a time to pray together for the community. The number is 712-770-4700 with the access code of 45823.

“Let’s Talk,” is also planning a community forum on race to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The location and time is to be announced. The forum will allow local people from all backgrounds to speak to one another candidly and openly about the issue in a supportive environment. The goal is to heal separation by mutual understanding.

“We need a spiritual change. Politicians can’t change the hearts of men,” organizer and New Hope Blackwater Baptist Church Pastor the Rev. Gary Houston said. “God sees our color. We’ve got to look at who we are.”

One of the groundrules of the meetings is discussing politics is forbidden.

Three community forums are scheduled. Along with race, discussions will be held on violence and faith. The group encouraged their congregatons to obey law officers at all times.

“We’ve got to stand together to show that Christ is the answer,” Houston said. “I believe God will lead us in Meridian. I believe God will move us through Kemper County, Scott County and across the area. The forums are going to be the key moving our conversation forward.”

Houston said the forums will include an open mic where residents can ask questions. The group formed committees Thursday.

Thursday’s meeting had 18 participants, including six newcomers. They included the interim priest at Episcopal Church of the Mediator the Rev. Father John Hamilton; Life Church Youth Minister Kelly Trussell; Gospel Lighthouse Church co-pastor Sarita Rainey; St. Peter’s Anglican Mission Priest the Rev. Vicki Gladding; and Christ Church in Action ministers Wade and Patti Demers.

“I think the meeting went well,” Houston said. “I think the people coming together in the committees was important. We’re moving in the right direction. We’re building a coalition of clergy who are like-minded. We want what is best for our community, which means we want unity and understanding between all ethnic groups. That is our ultimate goal. That is what we’re working toward.”