Detroit — Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron joined several other Metro Detroit religious and civic leaders April 23 to speak out against a recent spate of violence in the city of Detroit and urge peace and reconciliation.

The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit, of which the archbishop is a member along with the leaders of several Jewish, Muslim and Christian denominations, met at Second Ebenezer Church to rally cooperation among their faiths and within the community.

In a joint statement, the forum said everyone “must join with one another to build a community of peace and compassion.” Recent acts of violence, such as the severe beating of a suburban motorist in the city in early April, have prompted religious and civic leaders to gather on several occasions to urge respect and prayer.

Attending the meeting were U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and Detroit Deputy Mayor Isaiah McKinnon.

“Hate and violence not only harm particular lives but they are destructive of the bonds of good will that hold our community together,” said a pledge read during the meeting. “They undermine the hope and faith necessary to build community. We are all in this together.”

The Religious Leaders Forum plans to hold several more meetings in the coming months and houses of worship around the city.