In an effort to make the Muncie government more aware of the issues in the community, members of various churches gathered Friday night for a prayer meeting to protest the unlawful actions associated with Muncie Gras.
Pastor John Tyner of Tabernacle of Praise, Pastor Rick Bowen of Victory Temple and Bishop Mike Millben of Christ Temple Ministries led a prayer supporting the mayor, city leaders, community and churches coming together to better the Muncie community.
As members from a fellowship of 70 churches gathered, songs filled Christ Temple Ministries.
"This is not a time of protest, but a time of prayer," Tyner said to the members. "My responsibility is to pray for the mayor, city officials and those in authority. God, I pray that you lead this city in progress, create a better atmosphere for jobs to come into the community and develop businesses downtown."
Tony Williams, a member of Tabernacle of Praise, said those in attendance were standing up for truth and praying for the city to do things in God's eyes, he said. The meeting was to protest Mardi Gras in general, but also Muncie Gras.
Muncie Gras is a downtown celebration of Mardi Gras on Saturday night during which people older than 21 can drink, enjoy music and dress in costumes.
Williams said there are laws against public intoxication and nudity, which are actions often seen at Muncie Gras.
"I do not want my kids doing that," Williams said. "Alcohol makes us do things we would not normally do and clouds our vision. I used to drink when I was younger and God showed me the errors in my ways. Today's morals have gotten worse in every generation, so I wonder, where are we going now."
Bowen said since his family moved to Muncie 17 years ago, a lot of improvements have been made to the city. "If we are going to get anything done, we are going to have to get a license from the King, the law of the kingdom of God," Bowen said. "Our God will fight for us."
Millben said he wanted to pray for the unity in churches. He said if the churches did not get together, he did not know who would.
"Sin will destroy us if we let it," Millben said.
Gladys Maina, a Ball State University alumna who attended the meeting, said she hoped in the future people would be able to justify their decisions. Muncie should be able to get money other ways, and if events like Muncie Gras occur, some businesses could choose to not invest in the city, she said.
"When Ball State was labeled as a party school, parents and students did not want to go here," Maina said. "My own children did not want to come. I am sure after this meeting there will be some who will still choose to participate in the event, but hopefully others will become aware and change their ways."
The actions committed could destroy people and families, Maina said. She said she questioned how many people that go to Muncie Gras would be willing to take their mother or father too.
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