Church Leaders Respond To Protests

Casey Albritton was at a Huntsville church where church leaders are responding to the nationwide protests.

Last week.

This evening a local church is offering crisis management services to it's members-- after the killing of george floyd last monday.

Saint bartley primitive baptist church is located on belafonte avenue in huntsville-- and this morning they held their first sunday service since floyd's death.

Waay 31's casey albritton is live with how church leaders are reacting.

Casey?

Here at the church, the pastor tells me this morning's service was aimed at helping people who feel overwhelmed with the racial tensions in the county-- and soon he will be bringing mental health experts in to talk to the congregation.

Jaymes mooney/ pastor "we just talked about how to navigate these times we're living in that are filled with trouble on every end as it relates to health or racism."

St.

Bartley primitive baptist church pastor jaymes mooney says it's important to address the killing of george floyd.

Jaymes mooney/ pastor "what's happening in our nation is a lot of things that have been neglected, we now see those red flags are becoming bombs."

His church is hosting a series of services devoted to crisis management.

Jaymes mooney/ pastor "i want them to know it's okay to not be okay."

At sunday morning's service, pastor mooney told his congregation to look to god for direction.

Eric lumpkin/ church-goer "the service talked about how when we are agitated, we can't let our hearts get restless."

Eric lumpkin is a member of st.

Bartley primitive baptist curch.

He says he wants to see change.

Eric lumpkin/ church-goer "we want god to breathe knowledge into this nation that racism and privilege do not have a place in america."

Mooney says he is encouraging people to talk about these issues-- jaymes mooney/ pastor "there are a lot of resources out there that we hope to provide., whether that is sitting down with a therapist or focusing on our mental health."

Eric lumpkin/ church-goer "i feel very good that my church is addressing this topic because it's affecting everyone in our congregation."

The first meeting with mental health experts will be next sunday evening.

Live in huntsville, casey albritton,