CANAN Calls SC Church Killing An Affront Against USA

Members of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN) are alarmed at the horrendous killings of nine believers in a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Director of the association, Laolu Akande, America’s relative reverence for a place of worship, and the nation’s peace has been rudely interrupted by the action of the alleged gun man, 21-year old Dylann Roof.

“This young man reminds us again of the rather troubling, but real racial divisions and angst that still exist in the dark crevices of some within this most beloved country.

“Among those who were killed at a Bible Study were the Pastor, who is also a lawmaker in the state, church ministers and others totaling six females and three males with ages ranging from the 20s to 80s,” the group stated.

The group disclosed that news report even indicated that the young man told a member of the church that she was spared to tell the story of what happened.

“This suspect represents among the worst of human wickedness and devilry. It is the continuous breeding of such young people that should, however, cause greater concern. Let all of us as groups of families never waiver in instilling the finer mettle of grace, love, tolerance, understanding and peace in our children and in all homes.

“This attack on a black church is another attempt to ridicule the assertion in America’s anthem, ‘the land of the free.’ History reminds us the city of Charleston’s past since the days of slavery to the civil war and, now, as being ‘inseparable from the nation’s anguished struggle with race,” it noted.

The statements added that while CANAN condemns the grievous murders, members commiserate with the families of the victims, the 197-year old local church and the entire nation.

“We believe that while America grapples with some of these despicable acts of evil, like the one seen this past week in SC, America is also the place with some of the best expressions of human kindness, grace, benevolence and every known lofty virtues. Therefore we call for unity against this evil, and we commend leaders in the communities and in government who have spoken up against this dastardly act,” the group said.