CHARLESTON, S.C. — An iconic black church held an emotionally charged service Sunday as its members, the city and the nation continued a painful healing process four days after a white gunman's rampage left nine worshipers dead.
Church bells tolled across the city at 10 a.m. in memory of the victims of Dylann Roof, who opened fire Wednesday night on a Bible study group at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Events to show solidarity with the grieving church were planned throughout Charleston and the nation Sunday.
David Goldman, epa
Parishioners sing at the AME Church in Charleston on Sunday.
The church's pastor and state senator, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was among those killed Wednesday. On a sunny, steamy Sunday, his church's service drew a packed house that featured government and community leaders from across the state, including Gov. Nikki Haley and her family.
The Rev. Norvel Goff led off a fiery, engaging sermon by thanking law enforcement — "I don't have a problem doing it" — for pursuing and arresting Roof, and for providing additional security at the church.
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