It's exactly a year since one of the bleakest days in recent American history. On 17 June 2015, a Bible study turned into a mass murder.
The people of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, had gathered as usual to look through the scriptures together.
A young white man joined their number. Having sat with them for an hour, he began to kill them. His murderous spree claimed nine lives.
In the year since, the world gasped with horror as the news sank in, became embroiled in debates about the Confederate flag, and recoiled time and again as similar tragedies happened in San Bernadino and Orlando. The world gasped again at the astonishing grace of Mother Emanuel, and the forgiveness relatives of those who died showed to the killer.
Now, a year later, thoughts have turned to the families who are still processing their grief. The church itself is continuing to set an example of amazing grace. It has launched a campaign for people to carry out acts of kindness in memory of the fallen.
There will be church services held today, bringing together different parts of the community – united in the desire to honour the dead and to show solidarity with the families.
Those families continue to struggle with the terrible legacy of the shootings. As the world looks on today, Mother Emanuel will be back in the spotlight. The families remind us of their grace under immense pressure and their strength. Prayers from around the globe will be with them.
