|PIC1|Black Christians across the denominational spectrum have been told they must play a greater role in stemming youth killings and violence and bringing peace in their communities,

The call comes from Rev Les Isaac, founder of Street Pastors, the initiative set up five years ago to combat gangs, drugs, guns and anti-social behaviour in inner cities.

He commented, "I was inspired to set up Street Pastors five years ago following the shooting of four teenage girls outside a hairdressers in Aston, Birmingham on New Years Day in 2003, because I strongly believed that having trained Christians patrolling the streets late at night who provided prayer, support and protection to young people would play a part in stemming youth violence and it has."

"Our Street Pastors have stopped fights, gang wars, advised and prayed with young people who want to leave behind their life of crime, as well as provided support, assistance and a listening ear to members of the public who just want to speak to someone."

He continued, "There have already been over 11 youth murders in London this year and Black Christians concerned about the violent behaviour of our youth should consider becoming Street Pastors.

"We also need believers of all races and cultures to ask God what role they can play to help combat the epidemic of violence that is greatly impacting the lives of young people."

Over 1000 people, of all races and cultures, have trained as Street Pastors since the charity was set up in 2003, and are currently based in over 60 towns and cities across the UK. Areas where Street Pastors regularly patrol the streets include London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool, Leeds, Perth, Inverness, Southend, Norwich, Swindon, Portsmouth, Maidstone and Weston-Super-Mare.

The Street Pastors concept has been exported abroad and they are operational in the Caribbean island of Antigua and the organisation has received enquiries from more countries, including Pakistan, the USA and Sweden.

"Many of the communities where Street Pastors patrol the Streets have said that they feel safe when we are around and say that we have restored their faith in human nature," said Rev Isaac.

"The Christian gospel is about hope and transformation, and any believer seeking to practically impact peoples lives, and help young people caught in the grip of crime and violence change their life direction should consider becoming a Street Pastor."