Local churches hold vigils after Charleston tragedy
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina has resonated around the country.
Authorities say they now have the man in custody who opened fire inside a church Wednesday, killing nine people, including six women and three men.
In central Indiana, local churches are opening their doors to hold vigils Thursday evening.
There will be a prayer vigil at St. John AME, located at 1669 Columbia Avenue in Indianapolis at 6 p.m. There will also be a prayer vigil at Bethel AME, located at 17777 Little Chicago Road in Noblesville, at 7 p.m.
Pastor Charles Harrison with Barnes United Methodist Church believes that churches are starting to reevaluate their security procedures.
Some churches have security guards in plain clothes, in the future Harrison believes you could start seeing armed guards in churches.
“For me as a pastor to say this is difficult,” said Harrison. “It goes against what we try to practice as Christians, yet it is a reality.”
24-Hour News 8 spoke to some of the members at St. John AME, Dr. Anne Byfield knows Pastor Clementa Pinckney. She described him as a great person.
“He was just a gentleman, a great preacher, a great husband, and father of his children, just an outstanding person,” said Byfield.
Just two months ago Byfield visited the Charleston church for a program.
During the vigil, various races united together to pray for the families, they also sung songs during the service.