Chicago groups call for peace, protest in Ferguson

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Demonstrators are expected to fill Daley Plaza Monday evening to rally in support of protestors in Ferguson, Mo., as others expressed their concern about violence here and elsewhere with a prayer for peace earlier Monday afternoon.

Kathy Miller and her granddaughter happened upon the Daley Plaza gathering.

"I just wanted to be a part of it because God has to hear all of us," Miller said.

"With everything going on we're far from it, but we are with this getting closer and closer to it," said Grace Shumann.

Interfaith Prayer Service Against Violence was attended by religious leaders of different faiths from around the Chicago area, who were joined by everyday people concerned about the unrest in Ferguson and elsewhere.

"The retaliation, that's what we see going on in the Middle East, and what we see, even in a sense, going on in Ferguson," said Bambabe Shakoor-Abdullah.

"It really is very upsetting that something of that magnitude did happen," said Nile Jones.

The service was organized by the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago that includes leaders from almost every major religious tradition, claiming to represent 6 million people in the area.

"In a city that still witnesses the murder of children and innocents, the time is now to decry the violence and to pray for peace," said Rabbi Michael Balinsky of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago during the service.

Those at the service hoped their prayers will serve as witnesses to peace at time of crisis.

"It is through that reconnecting with our lord that we are able to find peace and offer it to those around us," said Father Theodore Labib of the Greek Orthodox Church.