Christian Groups Decry South Carolina Church Shooting

“That Christians of any ethnic group have been slain while praying — not overseas but right here in our nation–should drive us all to our knees.” — Preston Parrish, CEO, Corporate Chaplains of America.

— Last night’s scene: a seemingly regular Wednesday night service in a historic church…believers huddled…Bibles opened…voices raised to God in prayer…then, a hate-filled shooter opens fire…nine unsuspecting people die.

“That Christians of any ethnic group have been slain while meeting for prayer — not overseas but right here in our nation– should drive us all to our knees,” says Preston Parrish, CEO, Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA).

“While reports indicate that the man committing these atrocities was fixated on the race of his victims – which is despicable – this incident underscores the growing spirit of hatred across our land, toward followers of Christ in particular. Now is the time to stand against it and we can do so by praying especially for South Carolina in the wake of this latest bloodshed.”

CCA, which has chaplains serving in a nearly a thousand workplaces across America is calling for “an army of Prayer Advocates for South Carolina,” Parrish says.

“Never has the need been greater for us to band together as Prayer Advocates for our nation, our communities, our churches, and our workplaces. We are asking thousands of people to join with us by registering on our website as Prayer Advocates for South Carolina, and for their own states as well.” Click here now: chaplain.org/united-states-of-prayer

Meanwhile a group of African American and Latino Churches released the following reaction,

— The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans is decrying the nine murders of black church-goers as hatred and a violent affront on Christ’s Church. This horrendous act follows a litany of brutal attacks on African Americans over the past several years across the United States.

NBCI President Rev. Anthony Evans is travelling to South Carolina to personally direct 682 churches on security measures for congregants and families. The dangerous unknowns of the murders, their intent and their allies still remain, and allies must rally together against those who are intent on silencing the black church and its members.

Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI President, reflected on this tragedy with great emotion. “What is this world coming to?  Why do they hate black Christians?  I do not understand why Dylann Roof of South Carolina hates black people.  We are convinced that Roof’s killing spree was purely because these innocent victims loved Christ and were black. Roof likely assassinated Rev. Clements Pinckney specifically because he is a preacher of the Gospel and a Civil Rights Leader. The black church was the specific target for this horrendous act, chosen because of what it represents for all oppressed people.”

Based in Wake Forest, NC, near Raleigh, Corporate Chaplains of America specializes in recruiting and placing trained, full-time chaplains in workplaces. CCA chaplains develop caring relationships with employees and their families in the hope of gaining permission to share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. Each year, they offer compassionate support to thousands of individuals dealing with personally traumatic events as well as more routine life issues. Founded in 1996, CCA works with companies coast-to-coast, as well as internationally, in order to accomplish its mission.

About NBCI
The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches and the public. Our methodology is utilizing faith and sound health science.

NBCI’s purpose is to partner with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in the variety of areas cited above. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues. NBCI’s programs are governed by credible statistical analysis, science based strategies and techniques, and methods that work. Visit our website at www.naltblackchurch.com.