LBREPORT.com received the message below on Friday afternoon (June 19) from the Long Beach Ministers Alliance, via Pastor Gregory Sanders of the ROCK Christian Fellowship. We publish it in full. (June 19, 2015) -- Since the tragic events of Wednesday night in Charleston South Carolina, many questions have arisen about whether churches should take radical measures to beef up security or even considerations as extreme as cancel Sunday morning services across the nation. And our response is "Absolutely Not!" The insanity of the hate-centered attack on the sanctity of faith across America should not be the conduit of fear, but our catalyst of commitment. The acts of one man can never discourage or distract the purpose of millions. This single act of hatred is a real reminder that this foe called hatred, bigotry and intolerance sits quietly among us waiting to erupt even after we have embraced those having such feelings and demonstrated love towards them. We refuse to surrender to fear. [Scroll down for further.] |
We believe that the best way to honor those who were victims of this attack is to pursue the passion for peace with even greater resolve. We are not afraid and we are not asleep. On this Fathers Day Sunday June 21st, the Long Beach Ministers Alliance would like to create a memorial that becomes a movement by encouraging every person in Long Beach as well as across the nation to "Pack Your Church." Regardless of your faith, denomination or location. Take the initiative to pack your respective place of worship or service. Here is how we would like to challenge you. There are nine people who would be attending Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church if they were alive. It is our heart to honor them, their church, their families and the entire community of Charleston South Carolina. It is the responsibility of this entire nation to show the world, that these three men and six women did not die in vain. We are asking you to join us. We want to challenge every person to invite 9 people to your place of worship in honor of those who were killed while attending Emmanuel African American Episcopal Church. Invite your neighbors, friends or family. Invite people who look like you and those who don't. "Pack Your Church" as an act of honor, love and solidarity. Create a unique social media invitation using hashtag: #packyourchurch or visit facebook.com/thelballiance and share the "Pack Your Church" message there. Make your stand against hatred, racism and acts of violence clear. United we are stronger than any force that would infiltrate a nation committed to hope and healing. /s The Long Beach Ministers Alliance [LBREPORT.com comment: Amen! And we add below the online tribute created by a Canadian news/talk radio station (CJME, Regina, Saskatchewan) honoring the individuals who perished.]
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