New Jersey churches are gaining attention from the local community for a different spin the Stations of the Cross.

The churches held their annual Stations of the Cross processional around the city stopping at locations of violent crimes.  The churches said the violent crimes reminded them of the suffering that Christ experienced on the cross.

“We see the connection between brutality in the streets of Jersey City and the brutality that Jesus witnessed against in his own death on the cross,” said Grace Church Rector Rev. Laurie Wurm.  “In His crucifixion He exposed our violence to one another, which includes our silence and therefore complicity with violence. The church is called to witness to another way. We hope this is a first step.”

The pastors involved say it was an opportunity to work together to bring the Gospel into the community in a way that is socially relevant and connects to those who do not know Jesus but live having to deal with the violence every day.

Eight different churches banded together for the outreach.  The local police department provided security and the route they said reached the most violent crimes in the city.