On Wednesday, June 17, 2015 amidst a peaceful bible study, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was attacked by a lone gunman and lost nine of it’s members, including two ministers, in a senseless act of hate and violence. The following letter was sent in support:
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC 29401-3510
Dear Members and Supporters of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church,
On behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey and our member congregations, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to your congregation, the victims’ families, your members and the larger community. The tragic loss of beloved pastors and members has surely left your congregation in a state of emotional shock, tremendous grief and bewilderment over this senseless violence.
UULMNJ works continuously against racial injustice and gun violence with the hopes of bringing about a saner and more just world. We work with the hope that someday, tragedies like these will be replaced with a world united by love.
Although nothing can bring back the lives lost this week, we hope that you can find comfort and solace from the support you receive from others who share in your shock and grief. We will continue to hold you in our hearts with compassion as you move forward and try to make sense of this awful tragedy.
Please know that we stand with you on the side of love.
Sincerely,
Rev. Craig Hirshberg
Executive Director