A community activist says local religious leaders will join in calling for NEON chief Joe Mann to resign.

The announcement comes a day after angry parents filled a board meeting to demand Mann step down.

Norwalk resident Larry Johnson says religious leaders need to talk with Mann since calls for his resignation from parents and Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia have gone unanswered. Johnson believes a conversation with ministers will get Mann to act.

"He needs the pastors to come together and let him know that you don't have to sink a whole community to save face," said Johnson.

Johnson said the religious leaders involved have not yet decided when they will speak with Mann.

NEON came under fire after an external audit found the anti-poverty group misappropriated more than $400,000 in federal funding and defaulted on a $150,000 loan from taxpayers.

Public forum highlights NEON controversy