Faith Based leaders are outside the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson, to denounce the Mississippi state flag with the confederate battle emblem. They say the symbol is one of hate, racism and slavery--which has no place in the state today. Bishop Ronnie Crudup with the Fellowship of International Churches says lawmakers who say it should only be changed by a vote of the people are wrong.
"That's escaping your responsibility and pushing it off on somebody else. When you know the thing that will powerfully impact all of your citizens you do it. That's what you were elected for," said Crudup.
In 2001, Mississippians voted to keep the current flag by a vote of 65 to 35 percent along racial lines. Minister Jason Coker of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was raised in the Delta. He says he has family and friends who are adamant about keeping the state flag. Coker says a black woman prayed for his protection before he came and he says he has to speak out.
"And she goes, you know you don't have to do this. And I said what a privilege that I don't have to do this. But I do have to look at my children every day and be a father to them that they can believe in and have integrity as a human being," said Coke.
Rachel Glazer is with Jackson's Jewish Community. She says Mississippians deserve a flag that promotes racial reconciliation.
"I know that that symbol cuts really deep and digs into scars and wounds that are already there and whatever we can do to begin that healing process we need to do," said Glazer.
A group of lawmakers is working on a plan to change the state flag. Governor Tate Reeves has said the flag should only be changed if Mississippians vote to do so.
