Charleston South Carolina; So profoundly sad and tragic.

The shooting rampage that killed nine people at a church in Charleston South Carolina yesterday is sad, horrible, and tragic beyond belief.  It is quite clear that the suspect had a combination of mental health issues and racist motivations for what he did as the crime was committed at a mostly African-American church.  Of course, strong debates are already taking place over the continued racial tension in the United States and the place firearms should or should not have in public.  This is not the time to become armchair or radio phone-in show experts.  This is the time to pray for the families of those killed, for the survivors of the tragedy, and to pray for, and work for peace, love, and respect between all people.   No one, especially in a sacred place of worship, a place where nothing should stand truer than security, safety, and equality, should have to live in fear or face danger like what happened in Charleston.  The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, one of the four church pastors killed, was also a member of South Carolina’s State Senate.  It is a tragedy to lose someone who quite obviously aimed to serve God as a minister and serve other people as an elected representative.  It should be further noticed that The Rev. Pinckney wanted to make the world a better place through peaceful means.  A church will raise money, run community programs, help the poor, elderly, and marginalized.  A pastor will preach a sermon that tells those listening of the message of redemption, salvation, and compassion shown in the Gospels of the Bible.  A church or a pastor with proper convictions and knowledge of those Gospels will know that violence is not a solution to any disagreement between people.  An elected official also knows that in a democracy, disagreements are addressed through debate and compromise, not senseless violence.  The Rev. Pinckney and the others who were killed knew this.  Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the obviously troubled suspect, Dylann Roof who needs prayer for very different reasons than the victims of the tragedy he allegedly caused.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Romans 12:16- Holy Bible, English Standard Version