GAINESVILLE - The Democrats and the Republicans have finished their national conventions and nominated those whom they feel can solve the challenges facing America. There are, however, groups who think that neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton, alone, can solve the deep divides that fracture our country.
One of those groups is Gainesville United.
The name might sound like that of a soccer team, but it is actually a very diverse group of area pastors, community activists, government leaders and law enforcement members.
They believe that working together and help from God need to be the major planks in any platform before real healing can sweep our nation.
Saturday morning members of Gainesville United met at the Gainesville Square to pray for the community.
Roderick Hughey, Pastor of Voices of Faith North in Gainesville, credits Gainesville Police Chief Carol Martin with initiating the effort to bring together the diverse groups that comprise the Queen City.
"It started with one police chief who said she wanted to see change but she didn't want it to be like it has been in the past," Hughey said. "She said she didn't want to be the enemy to the community."
Martin's idea arose shortly after the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, in August of 2014.
"We wanted to make sure we weren't the next Ferguson," Martin said. "We know that there is always room for improvement."
Hughey told the crowd of nearly 100 that Gainesville United was an effort "to bridge the gap between the police and the community."
Hughey said as talks began membership grew quickly.
"Gainesville United is not a black organization. Gainesville United is not a white organization. Gainesville United is a Gainesville organization," Hughey explained.
"It's all about all of us. You have a voice. You all matter; your thoughts matter; your steps matter."
Prayers were then offered by several Gainesville United members for the police, for teachers and schools, for the government and to combat the "spirit of offense" - the tendency for people and groups to be over-sensitive to others' comments.
Another public rally is planned for August 18th.
