Amazing grace of the people of Charleston: Streets fall silent as massacre church bells toll

[Surya Gayatri]

Last edited Sun Jun 21, 2015, 11:47 AM - Edit history (1)

Thousands queue for first Sunday service since race hate killer Dylann Roof struck just four days ago

Overflow: Worshipers who cannot fit into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church stand in the street during the service


Moving forward: Services began with the organist playing Amazing Grace followed by What a Friend We Have in Jesus as worshipers filed into the church


Tragedy: Church members place a black cloth on the chair of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney who was killed in Wednesday's massacre


Sadness to joy: A parishioner sings at the Emanuel Church four days after a mass shooting that claimed the lives of its pastor and eight others

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3133350/Charleston-church-reopens-Sunday-service-just-days-horrific-massacre-claimed-lives-nine-people-THOUSANDS-line-worship.html
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I am humbled by the grace and dignity of these fine people.

[ladjf]

1. Well, that's nice. But what about the rebel flag , flying high with utter disdain for decency.

I'm not making light of the sympathetic outpouring from many of Charleston's people. I'm trying to point out the immorality
of allowing the rebel flay to still fly with the Gov. and other high state officials doing nothing about it. 50% of legislature my ass.
They haven't even had a vote on it. Nor, are they planning to. That's because the "State's Righters" feel that they have a right to dow whatever in the hell they want, regardless of the issue.

[Surya Gayatri]

3. This is all about the gracious parishoners of Emanuel AME.

[ladjf]

5. That's true and I meant no disrespect for those people.

But, to think that while that was happening the Legislature is making no efforts to do the right thing and lower the flag is disgusting
me. Their inactions clearly show who is in charge of the Government of South Carolina and what they stand for.
I don't believe that the Legislature is fairly representing the majority of the people of S.C.

[Surya Gayatri]

6. We can only hope that public pressure through the social media becomes

too much, and that they are forced to act in order to stop a 'boycott' South Carolina movement.

[ladjf]

7. That outcome was why I commented about it, even if I had to add it to your good report about the

citizens of Charleston. nt

[Surya Gayatri]

10. Sorry if I came over as a bit curt. All's well.

[jwirr]

26. The contrast between the worshipers of this church and the haters is striking and courageous.

The people of this church have been worshipping like this since 1822 with the symbols of hate all around them - yet they prevail. That is the message they have sent every time they worship right in front of the haters. We shall overcome. Even when it looks like the haters are winning - they will not give in.

So very proud of them.

[IVoteDFL]

2. Beautiful images

I too am humbled. Thanks for posting.

[Surya Gayatri]

4. ...

[bettyellen]

8. Beautiful. Thank you.

[Surya Gayatri]

9. My pleasure!

[democrank]

11. Simply beautiful

.

[Surya Gayatri]

15. You can just feel the compassion and respect through the photos.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

12. Yet, if asked, racists will claim they are the "civilized" ones.

[Surya Gayatri]

14. If ever they dared to question their vaunted white superiority, their world would crumble...

[Spitfire of ATJ]

21. A few generations raised on pickled pigs feet and squirrel isn't going to produce many scientists.

[Surya Gayatri]

23. Science, did you say science? That's skeery!

Climatology? Anthropology? Paleontology? Cosmology? Astonomy? Them's fightin' words...

[heaven05]

27. true

[Spitfire of ATJ]

28. America is the only country in the world where a bar fight starts with,...

"Yew sound lak one o' dem college boys."

[JDPriestly]

13. K&R.

[Surya Gayatri]

16. Thanks, JDP. Glad you enjoyed it.

[restorefreedom]

17. i watched the service

and it was powerful. i hope the photos and videos go viral

[Surya Gayatri]

18. Well, I'm trying to kick for visibility!

[restorefreedom]

19. i'll give it another nudge

everyone should either watch the video or seee the photos.... a truly moving and inspiring event

[Surya Gayatri]

20. And once again! LOL! Thanks!

[restorefreedom]

22. anytime

oopps did it again 👏

[dgibby]

24. And they stood there in 90 degree heat and humidity.

The church was hot, too, many people were fanning themselves. I lived in that area for more than 20 years, and I am amazed that anyone could endure those conditions without becoming heat stressed. Charleston is a very special city, and I loved the people there. They always rise to the occasion. I was there for Hugo, and I couldn't have gotten through it without the kindness of others. My heart is breaking over this senseless hateful act that has destroyed so many lives. So sad.

[Surya Gayatri]

25. I can feel the heat through the photos--that southern summer humidity is a killer...

I can't last in it without AC. Their perseverance is laudable.

These wonderful people have risen to the occasion and welcomed the world through their tears.

[gwheezie]

29. Thank you for this op

I watched the service.

[Surya Gayatri]

31. So glad you enjoyed it!

[gwheezie]

33. My experience with church

I'm an atheist but respect the faith of others. I have no reason to attend church for myself but have at the request of my friends so I've participated in rituals of different religions in mourning.
I had the honor to act as nurse to my friends family when her mother died. I was humbled to be asked. My role was to care for the family during the viewing and service. I dressed in the traditional white uniform and had snacks, fans, tissues and water on a hot day in Virginia. I was struck that they knew I was an atheist but embraced my humanity as part of their faith family.

[Surya Gayatri]

34. Truly spiritual people respect all of humanity, whatever their belief systems may be.

Your openness is admirable, gwheezie. Too many atheists, at least here on DU, are confrontative and aggressive.

I'm glad you've had wonderful experiences with people of faith.

[heaven05]

30. A security check to go into a chruch

this is what racism in america has brought us all. I left the link's pictures when I saw that Gov. nikki there. What a fucking hypocrite. That photo enrages me to no end. A loving, long suffering people...amazes me and I am trying to tap into some of that love and forgiveness, it is difficult for me, I must admit.

[Surya Gayatri]

32. Remember that arc of history, and where it ultimately bends.

But, I have to agree about the sad symbolism of pat downs at the church door.

[Wilms]

35. ^

[IcyPeas]

36. just so heartbreaking...

I am glad so many turned out for the services. I think this tragedy has touched and shocked a lot of people deeply. We need more love in this world. not hate.

LOVE!!

[HPXYZ]

37. Beautiful service

I'm not even religious and still found it beautiful.