The GMA on behalf of the Christian and gospel music industry mourns the senseless loss of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and his parishioners: Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Rev. Sharonda Singleton and Myra Thompson.
The prayers of our community are with the families of these victims and with our entire nation. We believe that the power of love and hope can unify in the middle of such challenging times. We encourage our community to continue praying and to give generously to support these families.
To Give: The Mother Emanuel Hope Fund has been established. The fund will be used to help cover the funeral costs of those killed in the tragedy and to benefit the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where the shooting occurred. To help the church and pay for the funeral costs of those killed, Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley worked with Wells Fargo to set up donation centers at their branches. For those who wish to donate online, donations can also be made to the church directly through PayPal on their website.
Christian/Gospel Artists Add Their Heartfelt Sympathy:
“We don’t know why things like this happen but God can mend our broken hearts and help us through our dark days. #PrayforCharleston”
– Erica Campbell
“It is hard for me to understand such anger and hatred toward any living creature, but especially toward the children of God who had gathered in a place of worship to express their thanks to Him. It seems, as a whole, that the human condition is not getting better over time. All I can say is, ‘Help us, Jesus.'”
– Bill Gaither
“Evil can penetrate everything in this world, even the walls of our churches. But that will not extinguish our worship and it will not drive us underground, but instead make us sing even louder. I wish I could hug the families of those who have lost loved ones, I don’t have any words, but I do want them to know they are not alone.”
– Brandon Heath
“There are no words for the deep sadness & heartache I feel for the families and friends of those lost in the Charleston shootings. Praying for God’s comfort & peace to “bind up” every broken heart.”
– Steven Curtis Chapman
“I am heartbroken for the church and community of Charleston. I am praying for them, and specifically the families, for God to comfort each of them. I also am continually praying for the nationwide revival, which we desperately need to bring true and lasting change.”
– William McDowell
“I am deeply, deeply hurting for those affected by the tragedy at Emanuel AME church and the city of Charleston, SC. Going to church, you never expect this kind of thing to happen. You think of Church as one of the safest places to be. In a split second, someone’s anger changed that. Lord, help us. My prayers, love and condolences go to the families, church and the city of Charleston. I pray that the love of Jesus brings comfort as only He can.”
– Jason Crabb
“Praying for the victims and families of such an unimaginable crime. In this time of grief, I pray that Emanuel AME Church and the city of Charleston feel our love and know they don’t walk through this heartbreaking tragedy alone.”
– Tamela Mann