'Peace on the streets'

Prayer groups on a number of West Philadelphia street corners yesterday looked odd against the urban backdrop of children playing, teens washing their cars and senior citizens cooling off on porches.

However, the message they were sending is a fitting one, as the city's homicide rate reached 163 yesterday afternoon with the shooting death of a 16-year-old in South Philadelphia.

A collective of 213 churches headed a prayer campaign citywide from 7 to 8 last night, calling on citizens to help stop the city's devastating wave of murders.

In West Philadelphia, the message is especially crucial as many of its own have fallen to the bullet.

"There is still hope for the city," said Bishop Benjamin F. Peterson Jr., of Greater Bible Way Temple on 52nd Street near Lancaster Avenue.

He spent the hour at 53rd and Media streets, handing out literature about church services to young men and drivers in cars halting at stop signs. He said to them, with much conviction, "Peace on the streets."

Peterson, like many other spiritual leaders in the area, believes that the rampage of violence is caused by hopelessness in the black community.

The remedy, he said, is to provide the city's youth with more recreation centers, job opportunities and better education. His church is currently adding a gymnasium to engage neighborhood youth.

"It's the drugs," blamed Deacon Morris Yelverton, also of Bible Way. "Everyone wants to be the kingpin. And when somebody gets in their way, they just see it as another body."

On some corners, only three or four people were holding hands in silent prayer. While on others, such as 41st Street and Girard Avenue, 20 people huddled in a group shouting "Hallelujah!" and "Yes, Jesus!"

Peterson wanted to make clear that church doors are open to anybody who needs help, noting that most churches in the area have shelter services. He also encourages residents to open their homes to those in need.

"Vision without action is just a dream," he said. "Action without vision is passing the time. Vision and action can change our world."

Pastor Brenda Rogers, also from Bible Way, said it is a humanitarian, not religious, obligation.

"You don't have to be a Christian," she said. "You just have to have morals." *