T.D. Jakes gathers Dallas officers and families of shooting victims to foster healing

Bishop T.D. Jakes facilitated an event that hoped to bring about healing among those affected by the recent Dallas shooting and the protests that ensued.

The event, called "Conversation with America," was held to help address "the fear and hurt Americans are experiencing on both sides of the recent tragedies."

It was also meant to be a step toward reconciliation for those involved.

The Dallas shooting, which was carried out by 25-year-old Micah Johnson out of anger toward the recent deaths of black men at the hands of white police men, resulted in the deaths of five police officers in Dallas.

Johnson was also reportedly disappointed with the U.S. military, which could have been part of the reason for the shooting.

The tragedy, followed by the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, has erupted into various divisive protests and increasing tension regarding the issue of racial discrimination in the U.S.

Jakes said the event, which was held during the Sunday service, was intended to help close the gap between the two conflicting sides.

"I don't want to be on this side or that side. I just want to stand for what is right," the bishop said, according to CBN News.

Sterling's aunt, Saundra, was among those who attended the three-hour event at The Potter's House. She said she went to send the message that she is not for violence.

"When I saw what happened here, I just had to come," Saundra said, according to The Dallas Morning News. "Let them know: We don't promote violence."

Several Dallas police officers also went to the service, as well as Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.

Rawlings said the issue is not just about race but also about "the economic disparity and the education disparity."

"The medicine we are taking right now is separatism and that is not going to work," CBN News quoted him as saying.