Dear ACT Community, 

There are no words to respond to the devastation in Charleston.  For many of us the best we can do is pray together. Please see below for two opportunities to come together to pray for Charleston and words from Michael Ray-Matthews, PICO Director of Clergy Organizing.

Vigils:

The AME Church will have a prayer vigil tomorrow, June 19 at 4151 Don Julio, North Highlands, 6:00pm

Pentecost Fellowship Ministries will have a vigil tomorrow, June 19 at 6:00 pm at 6489 47 Street, Sacramento 95823. That will also have satellite connection with one of the Faith Leaders in South Carolina.

From Rev. Matthews:

We are heartsick this morning as we take in the news of the mass shooting at "Mother Emmanuel"  African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, SC. Once again, we are reminded of the power of fear and hatred that devastates our communities.

Whether it's Sikhs in a gurdwara, Muslims in a mosque beginning the season of Ramadan, Jews in a synagogue or Christians meeting for weekly prayer and Bible study, we collectively grieve the tragic loss of life, denounce the violence, and stand with the families and communities impacted. Our hearts go out to the people of "Mother Emmanuel" Church and the communities of Charleston, SC.

We are working with the LIVE FREE team, our AME clergy leaders, as well as our multi-faith partners to coordinate our prophetic response. In the meantime, we are joining Groundswell in collecting prayers and words of support. Please contribute your prayers using this link.

Rev. Michael-Ray Mathews
Director of Clergy Organizing
PICO National Network