Reaction to the Murders at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
BJBE is saddened and outraged by the murders of innocent worshippers committed yesterday inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The clergy join with religious leaders in our area and around the world in condemning this terrible act of evil. Below is a statement by the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago. We will remember the victims through prayer and music at Shabbat services tonight, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Stoller will also address the tragedy in his sermon tonight.
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago was horrified to hear of the murders at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcobal Church in Charleston. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the victims of this hate crime. While violence on our streets is an abomination anywhere it occurs, it is especially true when it happens in a sacred space where people should feel secure and safe to worship. Our hand is extended to our Chicago area AME churches and we stand with you in mourning this loss of life and desecration of God's name.
Rabbi Michael Balinsky, CRLMC President Rev. Paul H. Rutgers, CRLMC Co-Executive Director
A Mi Sheiberach after the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina
