LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Multiple rallies were held Sunday in Koreatown calling for an end to the rising violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community.

The "Faith Leaders Solidarity Rally Against AAPI Hate" was held Sunday at Seoul International Park, part of a series of 14 prayer rallies across the nation. The rallies were held to give participants the opportunity to process the pain, pray for healing, practice repentance, and proclaim the dignity and sacredness of life, organizers said.

What You Need To Know

  • Multiple rallies were held Sunday in Koreatown calling for an end to the rising violence against the AAPI community

  • The rallies were held to give participants the opportunity to process the pain, pray for healing, practice repentance, and proclaim the dignity and sacredness of life, organizers said

  • The names of the Asian women who were murdered in the massage parlor massacre were read aloud in a solemn, quiet moment

  • L.A. County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-San Pedro, Sen. Steve Bradford, D-Gardena, and Assemblyman Mike A. Gipson, D-Carson, were among the speakers

The names of the Asian women who were murdered in the massage parlor massacre were read aloud in a solemn, quiet moment.

"Asian American Christians have a rich but seemingly forgotten history of social action and engagement," said Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, which is organizing the rallies.

"Most historic Asian American churches often focused on both proclaiming the message of the gospel and advocating for social justice. In response to all that has taken place, Asian American Christians are looking to find ways to put feet to their faith by gathering to stand for AAPI lives and dignity and to tell the world that Asian lives have value and worth."

Pastor Tom Kang of the New Story Church told ABC7 at the rally in Koreatown, "I think we have to acknowledge the problem. I think we have to acknowledge the fact that there is pain, there is hurt, and there is injustice. I think we start there first and acknowledge the truth. The light shines on the truth and it draws away all the darkness."

A rally and vigil at Carson City Hall began at noon. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-San Pedro, Sen. Steve Bradford, D-Gardena, and Assemblyman Mike A. Gipson, D-Carson, were among the speakers.

Face masks and social distancing were required. The rally was organized by the Alliance Against Asian Hate.

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Face masks and social distancing were required. The rally was organized by the Alliance Against Asian Hate.

"We need to stand in solidarity with the Asian-American community and condemn the hatred, racism and violence that's impacting their community," Bradford told the crowd in Carson.