Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - Around the nation and in Western New York, efforts will be made in honoring Faith & Blue weekend, a nationwide campaign to connect law enforcement and the public through the connections of faith-based organizations.
A series of events, presented by Impacting Love Global Ministries and law enforcement will be held at the Walden Galleria Mall this weekend starting Saturday, October 8th at noon with a Faith & Blue Walk With You Parade march inside the mall.
"This collaboration, it is showing our communities that we're not alone. No matter where you are, no matter the color your skin, no matter what you believe, you're not alone and we're going to connect to build relationships, so that we can get the resources that's needed for one another and the support that's needed for one another," said Pastor Garney Davis, CEO of Impacting Love.
Immediately following the parade around the mall, there will be a 1 p.m. panel discussion with Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould, Pastor Dave Marzak from Resurrection Life Church, Father Francis Mazur and Pastor Davis on how they can continue to collaborate and concerns with that the community may have regarding law enforcement.
"Both law enforcement and faith-based groups are pillars of our community. When we work together, our neighborhoods thrive. So we're going to discuss different ways that we have worked together in the past and you know maybe more ideas of how we could do more in the future together," said Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould.
"What happens if we are proactive opposed to reactive? What could we accomplish? This is what we're trying to do here," said Pastor Davis.
On Sunday, October 9th, there will be a special interfaith worship service at 2 p.m. at the Impacting Love Global Ministries inside the Walden Galleria near the Urban Outfitter and the Forever 21.
"It will be songs of of worship, songs of praise, and then there will be an encouraging word that will just uplifting and edify all those who will attend, but it will be about the foundation of our purpose and that is that we love and care," Pastor Davis says.
Everyone of all ages and religions are greatly encouraged to attend and walk in the parade with special prizes given out to people who stay for both the walk and the panel discussion. There will also be a raffle. For more details on the weekend, click here.
"It won't be long but it definitely will be impactful because our motive is to show our communities that we care," says Pastor Davis.
