Love. Unity. Community.
They were at the heart of Thursday’s Community Prayer Service for the Healing of our Land at Clinton AME Zion Church in Ansonia.
Clergy members led more than 50 people, including elected officials, Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale, Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman, and several police officers, in prayer.
The service was prompted by the June 17 slaughter of nine African-Americans who were taking part in a bible study at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.
The Ansonia Branch 2000 of the NAACP, Valley leaders, and pastors sponsored the event.
Ansonia NAACP President Greg Johnson said the service was “a celebration of the lives of those lost in Charleston, S.C.”
He said he was thankful for the apprehension of the man suspected of being “responsiblie for the deaths of nine students of Scripture.”
Dylann Roof, 21, has been charged in the nine murders. Roof is white and The New York Times reported that federal hate crime charges are looming.
In Ansonia, speakers gave thanks to God for mercy and peace.
Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti said it’s a time for unity, love, clarity, and peace.
“Despite this senseless act God has a plan for us,” he said.
State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D‑Ansonia, echoed Cassetti’s words. She said nine African-Americans “whose only crime was worshipping our Lord” were senselessly executed.
Church organist Lynn Goldson-Wrice led a prayer for pastors and church leaders. The Rev. Samuel Levi offered prayers for the Body of Christ. Minister Bruce Goldson prayed for the law enforcement community.
The church’s new pastor, the Rev. Walter Davis, Sr., led a prayer for the ”unchurched.” He said God is a God “of second chances.”
The Rev. Jeff Gubbiotti, pastor, Assumption Church in Ansonia, said, “Sometimes it takes a tragedy to wake us up.”
Participants were led in song by Besse Fisher and Yvonne Robinson, accompanied by organist Lynn Goldson-Wrice.
The service closed with the singing of “We Shall Overcome,” as participants clasped each other’s hands in solidarity.
Seymour resident Marisol Arroyo-Pratts said when she learned of the Charleston massacre “it felt really heavy on my heart.” She said the shootings touched people everywhere, and Thursday’s prayer service helped to provide some “closure.”
The Charleston shooting victims included: the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, 41; the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45; the Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons, Sr., 67; the Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49; Cynthia Hurd, 54; Myra Thompson, 59; Ethel Lane, 70; Suzy Jackson, 87; Tywanza Sanders, 26.
