New Bedford Church To Honor Charleston Victims

This week those killed in the of the shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston are being laid to rest.

As the grieving continues, the Rev. Kevin Taylor, of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Bedford, told WBSM's Phil Paleologos this tragedy has been a particularly tough blow for his congregation.

"It rang especially close to home in as much as that is our sister church, as are all AME churches and there are people in our congregation who have ties to that church and to that community," says Taylor.

Taylor also says that the tragedy is even more horrific because it took place in what is supposed to be a spiritual refuge.

"It certainly rattles the sense the sense of peace and of comfort that comes from being able to gather and worship," says Taylor "if we are not safe in our churches and our schools and other sacred places then where are we safe?"

The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will be hosting an interfaith worship service on Sunday to remember those who were lost.

Taylor says he hopes the service will serve as a display of unity against racism and intolerance.

"As we look and we see the events of Charleston they are a threat to the peace that we know in New Bedford," says Taylor "it is our hope that, through this worship service, that we can come together and be an example to the rest of the community that the themes of equality, tolerance, and acceptance can replace those of racism and the things that we saw in Charleston."

The service begins a 4 p.m. and the church is located at 532 County St.

Those who want more information should contact the church office at (508) 997-2410.

Persons interested in participating in the worship service should contact Rev. Taylor at (323) 509-8706 by Friday, June 26.