Written by Tanya Terry
In the midst of a potential local government shutdown and a recent fight between law enforcement officers and protesters, a group of pastors and other clergy members gathered at Flint City Hall on June 10.
A June 1 march had been held because many residents say they were fed up with the city’s government and the fact they are still waiting for compensation from the Flint Water Crisis settlement. The march ended shortly after a man was pulled from his vehicle and held down on the street before being given a citation.
The next day, on June 2, law enforcement officers at a Flint City Council meeting clashed with dozens of meeting attendees, in what the officers said was an attempt to protect city council members.
So, the pastors on June 10 were assembling to do what they felt they should do to help unify the city.
Bishop Chris Matin asked Flint residents to “lower the temperature” despite many events that had happened over the last several weeks and were continuing to happen in the city as it went through budget season. Martin told community members they should remember the Safe & Clean Summer Youth Initiative, Back to the Bricks and the Crim Festival of Races.
“As we watch the news and we look around and we can see unrest in so many places,” Martin said. “It is our prayer as male clergy that our city would be one of peace, and unity and strength.”
Martin offered a reminder that many middle school students had participated in the City’s Peer Mediation program, a collective idea between the City of Flint, the Flint Police and Flint residents.
“Middle schoolers were taught peer mediation tactics: how to deescalate situations and work together,” Martin pointed out. “Not only did they go through that program, but they also received stipends at the end as an encouragement to continue working together…even to deescalate school fights and school disagreements.”
Martin pointed out that young people look at what older generations do. He stressed the importance of being voices and advocates for the children, making sure they are able to get employed and get involved. He added this would help the Flint Police and help make the community safer.
Pastor Micheal Pettigrew, senior pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, pointed out that the Bible speaks of unity and coming together.
“There’s a lot of power still behind our pulpit that our parishioners are listening to,” added
Pettigrew. “Some of them are still saying that if the pastor is saying it, it can be done. Well, a lot of things now are happening beyond the walls, not within the walls. And the time is now. Not because it’s 2025, but it’s been going on for some time now. If we would get out from amongst our pews, and get out into the community and let all know that we can do this-it will be done.”
Regarding the unrest in council chambers during Flint City Council meetings, Flint Police Chief Terence Green said the City and police welcome the public comments.
“That doesn’t bother us,” he added. “It’s the threats. As far as political disagreements, we have no say in that.”
The city council had voted to extend the 2025 fiscal year budget until June 30, 2025.
At a June 3 press conference, Mayor Sheldon Neeley said residents stood “to lose support from public safety, infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization dollars, blight services, senior services (and) economic development opportunities” if a budget was not passed soon enough.”
Neeley stated he remained open to discuss the budget with any council members, despite four council members refusing to go into the Mayor’s Office to talk.
Neeley also stated because there are currently eight council members instead of the nine required by the Flint City Charter, the council and therefore City ends up getting deadlocked in many situations.
Fortunately, the council approved the budget unanimously during a special meeting that happened the night after the clergy met.
The passing of the budget prevented the city from having to layoff employees or pause city services.
Rev. Alfred Harris, president of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action and senior pastor at Saints of God Church, said he had attended the council meeting the night before the pastors gathered. He also said he understood that people could disagree. But, he said “together everyone achieves more.”
“…For those who say ‘preachers, what can they do?’-there’s a spiritual aspect to this protest, as well,” he added. “You can protest. You can talk about the issues. But, there’s also a spiritual connotation that can’t be overlooked. I believe with God all things are possible. I’m not your enemy. I want to be your friend. Let’s make Flint a better and safer place for everybody.”
