A vigil was held in Winston-Salem on Sunday in response to the shooting of nine black church members by a 21-year-old white man last Wednesday in Charleston, S.C. The vigil also served as a condemnation of gun culture.
Speaking to a crowd of over 100 people, the Rev. John Mendez condemned what he called American “gun mania”.
Mendez told attendees the religious community should challenge the National Rifle Association and advance a non-violent agenda.
The vigil at Emmanuel Baptist Church was organized by the Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports a racially-mixed turnout, with many black and white hands clasped together in prayer.
More than a dozen pastors spoke during the vigil, with many more in attendance.
While there were many calls for forgiveness and reconciliation, The Rev. Carlton Eversley said there has to be time for what he calls “righteous indignation”.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines was out of town but conveyed the message he wants to set up a fund to help the families of those killed in Charleston,
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