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Central Florida church leaders gather to address recent deadly shootings

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Pastors in Central Florida are speaking out against the deadly shootings in recent weeks and calling on the community to get involved.

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The pastors said they believe parents need to get involved in their children’s lives, and want people to speak out when they know who commits a deadly crime.

Pastors from a handful of Pine Hill churches and one from Parramore gathered to pray in response to the shooting.

READ: Pastor: 19-year-old shot to death in Orange County apartment was ‘beautiful young woman’

They are tired of the shootings, tired of the violence and tired of the senseless loss of life.

“We’re calling on leaders, pastors, bishops, apostles, prophets to stand in prayer, even if it’s not in your community,” said Pastor R. Keith Hicks with Orlando West Church. “Let’s pray for people all over this world.”

Bishop Kelvin Cobaris believes it goes far beyond prayer. The pastors are calling for action from parents to monitor their children, to know where they are and who they’re with, and to keep guns away from them.

READ: ‘Sounded like an automatic weapon’: Woman, 19, shot to death in Orange County

They also want anyone who knows who is behind the violence to speak out.

“All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” said Pastor Derrick Hutchins with New Life Church of God in Christ.

READ: Police: 10-year-old child shot and killed woman during altercation between 2 adults


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Jeff Deal

Jeff Deal, WFTV.com

I joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in 2006.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.