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ANNAPOLIS ? An ecumenical group of ministers in the Annapolis area, led by the Rev. Callie Matthews of Mt. Zion UMC, have organized 'Vigil against Violence,' a faith-based initiative to combat violence in the city.

Matthews said she was tired of attending funerals for young people. 'There seems to be a blanket of evil over our city,' she said. In consultation with a member of the police force and other clergy, she found early allies in the Revs. Jerry Colbert of John Wesley UMC and Ma?an Barcelo of Eastport UMC. Their vision is one of 'a movement of love and peace,' and they express this by holding a prayer circle around places where young people have been killed.

The vigils will be held the first Thursday of each month, at 6 p.m.

They park their cars in a church parking lot and go by van to the designated stops, which have been chosen with help from the police department. 'It?s non-threatening,' Matthews said.

Twelve people formed the first prayer circle, which expanded as people from each of the three target communities joined in.

The group has already gained some attention, with clergy and others from Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopal churches participating. Someone from the Muslim community plans to join the next vigil.

'If the group gets large, we?ll divide into two or more,' Matthews said, 'and pray at more places.' There are plenty of areas of deadly violence in the city, she said.