Local church holds prayer vigil for Charleston shooting victims

Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- As the nation mourns the victims of the Charleston church massacre, people are banding together in Southwest Florida.
Tonight,  hundreds of people packed into the Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church local church for a prayer vigil.

Many there personally know some of the victims of the Charleston shooting.

“I think they were wonderful people. The pastor was a wonderful gentleman, wonderful spirit, committed, not only to the church, but making a difference in South Carolina as a legislature,” said Bishop John White.

Church members tell WINK News they are standing together to fight the war of racism in our country.

“I felt confused, confused about the way things are being a black woman in this country. It made me think about my own children, what society they are going in to,” said White.

Congressman Curt Clawson and the Lee County schools superintendent were also at the prayer vigil.
Church members are urging all churches across the nation to pray Sunday for what happened in Charleston, South Carolina.

Church officials are reminding their members to rely on faith during this difficult time. The pastor at Mount Olive is urging people to pray for those killed in the senseless act.

At the service, the reverend will read a statement from the bishop’s council about the tragedy. After singing some hymns, church members will light a candle for each victim and pray for their families. As they depart, the congregation will come together and sing another hymn.

Reverend James Givens says the goal of the vigil is to bring about a start to healing. He also said this isn’t just for the black community, but for anyone who wants to see change.

The reverend says he expects a number of city leaders to be out at the vigil as well.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.