My heart goes out to the people of Charleston, SC in the wake of the shooting at an African Methodist Episcopal Church last night. Nine people including the pastor, Clementa Pinckney, who was also a state legislator were killed in what is being called a hate crime. When such things happen it makes you wonder why people do the things they do and feel the way they feel. This has impacted their community and the nation.

Events like this are a reminder of how powerful hate is. It is horrible when people are peacefully assembling to make their lives better and someone does harm to them just for the color of their skin. We still have people who are raised to hate someone because they are different, that should not be the American way. Life is too short to live in fear.

May God have mercy and provide comfort to the family and friends of those who lost their lives. May we all work for peace and a time when there is no hatred of people based upon their race, sexuality and lifestyle.