One evil person tried to demoralize the concept of kindness, community and love. But that “manifesto” failed. On Sunday morning, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church opened their doors to current and new worshipers lining up to join a congregation that gave love when evil was returned. At 10 a.m. Sunday morning #ChimeWithCharleston will begin. Church bells around the city will ring and heads will bow to honor the souls gone too soon but never forgotten.
While known for being a historic black church, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church opens their hearts and doors to everyone. Even an unknown killer. Hate was his agenda, and instead the victim’s families have offered forgiveness, showing the testament of faith from this admired place of worship.
New worshipers are joining, and among the sea of faces it showed the unity of races and community. Emotions will be high during the sermon, as the community mourns the lives of nine taken, but shows a strong will of solidarity against any methods of hate. On Sunday evening by the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, crowds will gather to join hands and promote love and question the use of the Confederate Flag. The unity chain event can be followed on the Facebook event’s page, and was created by Darcy Creaturo and several others.
On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina carrying signs marked with “take it down.” They say the Confederate Flag symbolizes an icon of racial oppression, and makes many minorities feel unwelcomed. It was also a flag the shooter identified with when his images surfaced.
The church was uncertain Sunday’s sermon would happen, since police cornered off much of the church from access. On Saturday, police removed the tape, permitting the church to once again open its doors and welcome those wishing to come together.
The victims will be remembered and many from Charleston, surrounding communities and the country will gather in thought and prayer to show hate how it is conquered by love in unity.