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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBiden attends services at Charleston church
CHARLESTON, S.C. Vice President Joe Biden worshipped and spoke at the Sunday service of the historic African-American church where nine people were gunned down during Bible study earlier this month.
The vice president's surprise appearance came on the second Sunday the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church held regular services following the June 17 shooting. Police contend the attack was racially motived and have charged a 21-year-old white man with the killings.
Biden said he'd visited Emanuel before and knew the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the pastor of the church who was among those killed.
"We came back because my family and I wanted to show solidarity with the families and with the church," said Biden, wearing a purple tie, a traditional color of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Biden, a Catholic, showed the congregation the rosary beads he wore around his wrist and spoke about the feeling of loss within his own life.
The vice president's son, Beau, died late last month of brain cancer. Beau Biden narrowly avoided death as a young boy in a 1972 car crash that killed Joe Biden's first wife and his daughter.
"The reason I came was to draw strength from all of you," Biden said. "I wish I could say something that would ease the pain."
Biden received a standing ovation during the 2 ½-hour service after reading a selection of scripture. He later joined the congregation in holding hands and singing, "We Shall Overcome."
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/biden-attends-services-at-charleston-church/ar-AAcfVpt?ocid=mailsignout
Tarheel_Dem
(31,245 posts)malaise
(269,225 posts)It was a funeral service for one of the victims of the massacre.
Spazito
(50,514 posts)I admire him and his family more and more as time passes.
craigmatic
(4,510 posts)Spazito
(50,514 posts)was/is inspirational to me.
MoonRiver
(36,926 posts)lpbk2713
(42,769 posts)So soon after his son's untimely passing.
We are indeed fortunate to have leaders like Obama and Biden.
Cha
(297,818 posts)Cha
(297,818 posts)mahalo Randy!
IrishEyes
(3,275 posts)I really respect the man. He has worked hard for this country. He seems to be a genuinely good person.