The United Pastors, Clergy and Community Leaders of Greater Youngstown held their third and final Stop the Violence march of the summer Sunday afternoon, taking their message from the church pews to the pavement.

“For the years that we've been doing this, every neighborhood that we do the marches in, the neighbors appreciate it that the church is now visible,” said Rev. Kenneth Simon, the lead organizer of the march. “It's not just in a sanctuary, having services. The church is out on the streets.”

At this latest event, the group had reason to celebrate: Youngstown officials say crime is significantly down in the city, especially homicides.

“That's progress,” Simon said. “Now, one act of violence and homicide is a concern. But we're just happy to be a part of an effort that's curbing th

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