Durham congregation shows solidarity with Charleston church
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Church congregations all over the Triangle are sending their support to Charleston through the power of prayer.
Like many other places of worship, the congregation at Resurrection United Methodist Church in Durham stood in solidarity with the mother Emanuel AME Church.
While members reflected on the events that unfolded earlier this week, they're also sending out a call to action. They are trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
"I was just stunned," said church member Debra Haynes. "I really still don't have words.
Haynes has lived through it before. She remembers clearly the massacre at Columbine that rocked her former Colorado community to its core. For Haynes, this attack -- in a place of worship -- is even more painful.
"That's our home," said Haynes. "That's the home of the heart, and it's been invaded."
Members of Resurrection came together in prayer and to mourn the lives that were lost. Many of them were moved to tears.
"We're all affected by this," said Rev. Alan Felton of Resurrection United Methodist Church. "This is an offense against the church. It's an offense against humanity, and so we just pray for everyone and for peace, but not just peace, peace with justice."
Felton called on the church to respond to the tragedy and overcome the hate that took nine lives.
"We should be working together for racial reconciliation, for an honest dialogue on race, and for us to acknowledge that black lives do matter, and the church needs to be at the center of that discussion," said Felton.
Felton told ABC11 the service Friday night was about prayer. It was also a chance to show others that this tragedy won't keep them from coming together. The church is welcome to all people, and the doors will remain open.
