Mother Emanuel congregation to receive “Morning Grace” statement
February 11, 2016
The Emanuel A.M.E. Church congregation on Sunday will receive copies of “Morning Grace: Ninety Seconds Changed a Church, Community and the World,” a statement of the church’s path to recovery since the June 17 massacre.
On the outside, “Mother Emanuel” has become the site of injustice and a destination for prayer and reflection on peace and reconciliation. The statement speaks to the need for the congregation to draw closer to God and be an example that love is stronger than hate.
The statement also provides an explanation of the church’s spiritual response to the tragedy that claimed the lives of nine Christians who had gathered for Bible study. Five other members survived the mass shooting. Some families offered forgiveness, which illustrates the core of their belief as Christians. The statement also offers lessons the church can share with other congregations and communities touched by religious, racial and ethnic hatred.
The interim pastor and four members of the church wrote the statement as part of Emanuel’s consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize. The statement is contained in a 35-page booklet. A copy of it is also on the church website, www.emanuelamechurch.org.
