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In the wake of a shooting that killed nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., an AME church in Ogden is holding a prayer vigil Friday.
The vigil is planned to start at noon at Embry Chapel AME Church, 264 30th St.
Meanwhile, faith leaders and Utahns reacted to the tragedy:
Rev. Brandee Mimitzraiem of Ogden's Embry Chapel AME Church:
"I heard about it last night when I got home from Vacation Bible School. It was heartbreaking, I spent the night in tears. … We're a connectional church. We have a connection to churches that are around the world. So Emanuel really was our sister church. It hurts in a way that is like family."
As far as what people can do, "the Emanuel AME Church has a website where they are taking donations," and "people need to be talking to each other and making sure that [this problem] is not present in our community."
Elder J. Vaun McArthur, an LDS Church Area Seventy over the Charleston region:
"In the wake of the tragic shooting in Charleston South Carolina, we find ourselves trying to understand such an incomprehensible act. But in the unknowing comes the blessed assurance that those who lost their lives are in the arms of a loving Heavenly Father. Our prayer is that the families of the victims and all those affected will find peace."
Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City:
"I heard it from a friend of mine who lives back in that area who sent out an e-mail last night. [When I opened it], it was certainly heartbreaking. It caused a great deal of grief thousands of miles away. We share the grief. To have the church become a centerpiece of violence is inexcusable. [There should be] continual meetings of various backgrounds, denominations and so forth, who come back together and say enough is enough about this senseless violence."
Utah Democratic Party Chairman Peter Corroon:
"We express our sorrow as we mourn with the victims, their families, the Emanuel AME Church community, and our brothers and sisters in South Carolina. We join with you in mourning the passing of nine innocent lives, and we condemn in the strongest terms those who seek to target their fellow citizens because of their race. This act is deplorable, inexcusable, and it is our hope that justice can be served in Charleston. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you."
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