Charleston Church reopens for first time after massacre shooting

Not even a week has passed by since the deadly church shooting in Charleston, S.C., where nine people were brutally murdered during bible study. It was only four days later, but on Sunday morning, June 21, the doors of Emanuel AME Church reopened and welcomed many churchgoers to proclaim their messages of hope and gratitude towards the Holy City.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPNES (Catholic Online) - So many different people came to the first service after the dreadful day; there were politicians and activists, young people and old.

Rev. Norvel Goff stated that Sunday morning, "We have shown the world how we as a group of people can come together and pray." Rev. Goff filled in for senior pastor Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was among the unfortunate shooting victims.

Before proceeding with the sermon, Rev. Goff called out the names of the nine church members who were heartlessly murdered --- Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74; Rev. DePayne Middleton Doctor, 49; Sharonda Singleton, 45; Pinckney, 41; Susie Jackson, 87; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Ethel Lance, 70; Myra Thompson, 57; and Tywanza Sanders, 26.

"A lot of folk expected us to do something strange and break out in a riot. Well, they just don't know us," Rev. Goff declared. "We're going to pursue justice, and we're going to be vigilant, and we are going to hold our elected officials and others accountable to do the right thing."

He encouraged people to turn to God in times of need, instead of hiding from Him.

"Many of our hearts are broken, many of us are still shedding tears. But I know a man who can answer all of our questions but you and I must bring our burdens to the Lord and leave them there."

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