The multi-denominational group represents about 40 northeast Ohio churches, synagogues and mosques. And its peaceful protest was to bring attention to what its members say are high arrest and incarceration rates for blacks, among other issues. Outside the Cuyahoga County Justice Center, Pastor Jawanza Colvin punctuated the group’s concerns.

“It is called a justice center, it’s called that to give those who enter the assurance they will be afforded every right and privilege by the constitution of the United States. But for too many and for too long they have felt, and the data bears this out, that this is not the case.”

The group has not taken a position on Saturday’s acquittal of Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo on voluntary manslaughter charges, but it calls the verdict a symptom of deeper issues in the community. The Greater Cleveland Congregations contributed suggestions to the Department of Justice for its just-reached agreement with the City of Cleveland on police use of force issues.