How Often Has a Twenty-Something White Dude Showed Up Solo to AME Wednesday Bible Study?

[alcibiades_mystery]

This is the question that I can't stop repeating.

Truly, how often have Emanuel AME Church had a white guy looking like Roof walk in and sit for Bible study. On a Wednesday night! I'm willing to bet that it's exceedingly rare. Exceedingly.

And so, as I contemplate this horror - this heartless terrorist attack - I also contemplate the remarkable hospitality of the people in that church, the victims and targets of this horror. What must they have thought as this guy walked in and joined them? And yet they welcomed him into their circle, this strange young man. And they prayed with him.

I'm no Christian. I have no religion. But Lord. Lord! The hospitality! The patience and good character. For an hour they welcomed him into their lives, their circle, their community. Good Lord.

[geek tragedy]

1. the sheer evil of this atrocity is only magnified by this betrayal of their kindness nt

[d06204]

4. Hello American Indians nt.

[malaise]

8. True - betraying kindness is only over 400 years old n/t

[ck4829]

2. That whole time I'm sure he was studying who was who, where the exits were, etc.

It is an act of betrayal, they thought he was there for kinship, he was there to murder them.

[lpbk2713]

3. I hadn't heard this part of the story ... thanks.

I hope he pays for his treachery.

[JDPriestly]

5. Your post gives me cold chills.

These victims are Christian martyrs, not just victims.

Really. They were opening their hearts in Christian love, and this young man, no matter how deranged he was, answered with hate.

They are martyrs.

I am tired of hearing after some horrible killing spree that the killer was "mentally ill." We have to deal better with the dangerously mentally ill in our society.

Somehow our medical community is failing us when it comes to dealing with sociopaths and those who are both mentally ill and dangerous.

And this is difficult because most people who seek help an dare mentally ill are not dangerous. Most are suffering and need help. Only a tiny number of people are both mentally ill and dangerous. The question is identifying them and either helping them or institutionalizing them.

I don't like what I am saying. I hope someone had a better response than mine. Because I really don't like what I am saying.

[JI7]

6. I'm thinking it may not be too uncommon

Especially since its historical. And from what others tell me usually they will treat you kindly.

[malaise]

7. Apparently all sorts of folks are welcomed at Mother Emanuel

so they weren't suspicious. Remember this church is listed as a heritage site so tourists would show up.
That said Given his age, I still can't believe no one suspected anything and two- why was he allowed to reload five times?

This racist scumbag got this gun from his father in April - he couldn't have been that proficient.

[underpants]

9. It is apparently a very loving and open place

I used "is" because I would be surprised if it changes.

[RandySF]

10. The church is a landmark

I'm sure they've had a lot of white visitors/worhippers.

[blm]

11. For residents of Charleston tourists are as much a part of their daily lives as lunch.

Charleston is one of the warmest and most welcoming cities in the country.

[doc03]

12. I heard one member from the church say on TV it was not unusual at all n/t

[Lochloosa]

13. Here is a picture of the congregation. Seems like a pretty diverse church...

so it may not be that unusual.

[awoke_in_2003]

14. Thanks for the pic...

not a believer myself, but that picture gives me some hope.