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Religious Leaders Continue Prayer Vigils at Governor's Mansion to Change State Flag

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Elder Dorsey Carson, Fondren Presybyterian Church, at podium
Desare Frazier

Since the June killings of nine people in a South Carolina church, religious leaders in Jackson gather to pray on a regular basis in front of the governor's mansion. They want the Mississippi flag changed. Bishop Thomas Jenkins, New Dimensions Ministries.

"Father the Mississippi flag represents division. It represents hatred and Father unfortunately it represents murder. Father we still remember those nine victims in South Carolina," said Jenkins.

Dorsey Carson is an Elder at Fondren Presbyterian Church. "We live in a state that has a flag that does not represent all Mississippians," said Carson.

Supporters of changing the flag are seeing positive signs more and more Mississippians agree. Leaders in Clarksdale, Columbus, Grenada, Hattiesburg, Magnolia and Vicksburg have removed the state flag from public property. Justin McCreary is a minister with the Unitarian Universalist Church.

"Every time we can get one more down, we're doing something good," said McCreary.

For Pearl Cloy, the confederate emblem brings back painful memories of growing up in Jim Crow Mississippi. She's grateful some city leaders are taking it down.

"I can you know, really respect those people who have done it. That's remarkable. It is remarkable that no one had to make them do it," said Cloy.  

Religious leaders say they will continue their prayer vigils, by knocking on the doors of heaven, in front of the governor's mansion.