Durham's annual vigils against violence are profound and moving services that honor the memory of homicide victims and call the community to action.

This year, the vigil is at 7 p.m. Thursday at Shepherds House United Methodist Church, 107 North Driver St. at the corner of East Main. It is sponsored by the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham, Parents of Murdered Children and Durham Congregations in Action.

I have heard skeptics dismiss the vigils, along with the smaller, candle-lit services held throughout the year, as naive exercises that do little to solve the problem of violence. I strongly disagree. Let me state several reasons why I think the vigils are so important.

I have attended several of the services over the years, and last year I had the opportunity to speak. I have been struck, as you may be, that the audience is a real reflection of Durham's diversity. I commented last year that gatherings like this were what the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind when he spoke of a "beloved community."

There are too few occasions in Durham that bring people together from different neighborhoods, races and economic levels. Too often -- and I am as guilty of this as anyone -- we get stuck in a rut of going to the same places and seeing the same people day after day.

I believe that only when we come to know our neighbors from all parts of the community as friends will we be able to truly empathize with what it feels like to live in a neighborhood where gunshots are common and the threat of violence is a constant, nagging worry.

As the names of the victims are read, and a solemn bell tolls, those attending may be filled with the desire to do something. And there is plenty to do.

Durham has dozens of programs that target violence from different angles. Some focus on early childhood education, others help older children stay in class and avoid gangs. Other programs attack poverty and homelessness, conditions that breed criminality. Others focus on helping substance abusers, and still others help convicts make a positive reentry to society.

We don't lack for programs. But we need more participation. Attending a vigil may stir you to find a place where your passion and talents intersect with the community's need.

Your presence will also make a statement. Imagine that your child or loved one had died violently, but that no one seemed to care. The vigils are a way to say that we are grieving, too -- and that we do care.

Problems of violence afflict all cities -- Durham is far from alone. But this is where we live and this is where our actions can have an impact. One of Durham's great strengths is that we face our problems head on instead of pretending they don't exist. Consistent reminders will keep the issue before the public and stir concerted action.

Statistically, there is good news about homicides in Durham. Even as the population has risen, the number of homicides is declining. In 2008, there were 24 homicides; in 2009, the number was the same. In past years, the total has topped 40.

In 2008, five teens were slain; in 2009, the number was "only" three. Still awful, but an improvement.

We should acknowledge that good police work, social services programs, life-saving emergency services and community involvement have made a difference. But 24 homicides is still far too many. This is no time to relax. We need to keep the pressure on.

Last year, I urged folks to get out of their comfort zones and to get involved in the community. This year, the message is the same.

While the vigils are somber, your spirits will also be lifted by music, dance and poetry. The theme of this year's vigil is healing. Take a step toward healing in Durham by attending.

Ron Landfried is the former editorial page editor of The Herald-Sun. Reach him at ronlandfried@yahoo.com.