The killing of nine people in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina is highly condemned. The Mayor said that the only motive to kill during church prayer meeting is because they were black!
Dylann Roof, 21, of Lexington, South Carolina was armed with a gun when he was arrested; apparently Roof’s father had recently bought him a .45-caliber gun for his 21st birthday.
News about hate crimes are not new to the world, however every time it happens it gives a chilling truth to the human race that “they” still exist out there. It seems that nobody – not even the President of the United States, or the Mayor or the Cops can do anything to stop them. They can put away with the guns and other stuff that kills innocent people, but if this deep rooted animosity is not put away from responsible people’s hearts and minds– then the sad truth is, the world is likely to see these sorts continue!
What is really unbelievable is the father presenting a ‘gun’ as a gift for his son’s birthday! And what is even more unbelievable is that the son uses the gift! Well, (obviously) just like any gift is to be used and experienced.
Hatred towards other values and culture was probably allowed to grow in this young man’s heart right from his early years, to be able to commit such a barbaric crime.
I am reminded of a question that is asked in the Bible “What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, would give him a snake instead of the fish? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not!
Even if the father is evil, he is expected to give good things to his children.
That’s why this incident and many others in the similar manner are so brutal and wicked in nature.
President Obama addressed this issue and talked about gun control in the country – He may remove the gun out of the way – but if the cold heart of racial injustice is not removed, the greatest fear is, this will continue.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the case as a hate crime, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said – “Acts like this one have no place in our country and no place in a civilized society,”.
The question is: How can the people everywhere be sure this act will never repeat itself?
We offer our condolences to the all the victims’ families and the Church, and pray for God’s peace and comfort at this time of grievance.
By Florence Selvan
Perceptions 