Local Faith Leaders Come Together to Pray for Charleston

Faith leaders across Northwest Louisiana are coming together in prayer for the historic Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Nine people were shot and killed by a 21-year-old in what Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen has labeled a hate crime. The sorrow is being felt right here in Shreveport.

"Our nation, the Body of Christ, and People of color have experienced yet another horrific tragedy," said Dr. R. Timothy Jones with Peaceful Rest Baptist Church in a news release. He said churches and pastors in our area have come together to support and interceded for the people of the church and the City of Charleston. "This is not only a time to pray, but a time to mourn," he said.

He and other faith leaders have planned a day of "Fasting, Prayer and Mourning." It's being held at 7PM Monday, June 22, at Saint Matthew Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1610 Murphy Street in Shreveport. It's open to the public.