Religion Roundup
Mayor's Prayer Rally Inspired by Bible's Book of Jonah
Associated Press
May 1, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, says his latest prayer rally to fight crime and violence was inspired by the Bible's Book of Jonah.
Like the ancient king of Nineveh, Mayor Larry Langford invited pastors and citizens to don burlap sacks and ashes in a sign of repentance. He said, "This city needs to humble itself."
So far this year 27 people have been killed in Birmingham, compared to 19 at this time last year.
More than 1,000 people attended the April 25th "sackcloth and ashes" rally at a local auditorium.
Since he took office last year, Langford has held three prayer rallies to fight crime and violence. Bibles were handed out at one of the events.
An official with the Alabama ACLU says, "If it's an official government event, that's troubling."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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