The Rev. Kahlil Carmichael has two sons, ages 8 and 11, and is concerned for both them and police.
FRANKLIN -- The Rev. Kahlil Carmichael said he has found himself in the middle of a social storm. The father of two sons, ages 8 and 11, said the recent episodes of violence across the nation is disconcerting.
Rev. Kahlil Carmichael (Courtesy It Is Well Living Church)Carmichael, pastor and founder of It Is Well Living Church in Somerset, is holding a forum featuring police officers and clergy titled "A Call to Prayer and Healing" on Thursday to address the shootings of black men and police officers that have dominated national headlines.
The forum will start at 6:30 p.m. at the church, which is located at The Fitness Doctor Studios on the second floor of Highwood Plaza at 2 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. It is open to the public.
"I've seen both sides," said Carmichael. "I want to make sure everybody, including my sons, understand not only the negative that we see in the media, but also the positive aspect of police. As a pastor, it is my job to be a peacemaker."
Police officers from the township and New Brunswick, and Middlesex County Sheriff's officers, will participate in the discussion, said Carmichael.
Hundreds protest fatal police shooting
Carmichael, who has been pastor at the 150-member church for seven years, is also the chief executive officer of The Fitness Doctor, Inc., where he said his mission is to "help people grow spiritually and improve physically."
The church has a workout and Bible Study every Wednesday and offers one-on-one personal training and spiritually enrichment at his studio on weekdays. Services are held there every Sunday.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.