WASHINGTON — The tragedy that unfolded Wednesday in South Carolina has sent shock waves across the nation. In Prince George’s County on Thursday night, members of the religious community gathered at Jubilee United Church of Christ to discuss the shooting and bring about healing through prayer.
The purpose of the event was to allow people from the community to come and lament, according to the church’s pastor Reverend Marvin Silver.
Police believe on Wednesday night, after attending a Bible study, 21-year-old Dylann Roof opened fire at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, killing nine people. The event has religious leaders across the country worried.
“My concern moving forward of course is security as probably any pastor and church leader is thinking about right now,” Silver said.
Thursday’s service was organized by the Prince George’s County NAACP. President Bob Ross said he was shocked by the attack, but feels a nonviolent response is necessary.
“We have to put pressure on our lawmakers to work on gun reform here in the country,” Ross said.
Ernest Gooding, of Bowie, Maryland, said he is praying for the family of the victims, and the family of the man accused of committing the crime.
“We’ve got to work through this and see what we can do, to see that this doesn’t happen again,” Gooding said.
Among those in attendance was Eugene Grant, the mayor of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, who said protections are needed for places of worship.
“The church, the synagogue, the mosque, the temple, must be a sacred place,” Grant said.
“Race is an issue in the country,” said Lisa Ransom, of Prince George’s County. Even though it may be a difficult topic, she said a discussion on race needs to take place.
Cassandra Freeman, with the Prince George’s County NAACP, said sadly these tragedies can happen anywhere.
“Despite racial differences, we as a community have to come together,” Freeman said.
