But she said she brought a message of hope to Orlando.
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Clark said she drove to Orlando after she was contacted by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
It also made a lasting impact on a local congregation.
Clark chose to focus less on politics than on the need for unity.
“It is not a pleasure to be here, but it’s a duty to speak up against the violence that we are experiencing as a society”, said Clark, who has been the pastor of Emanuel AME Church since January. “I know the devastation that it can cause not just when the cameras are there and the news reporters are there”. “It makes me wonder when will we as a human race come to a place where we say, “Enough is enough”?”
The ecumenical bible lesson will be taught by pastor Rev. Dr. Betty Deas Clark and Rev. Anthony Thompson, the husband of slain member Myra Thompson.
The thoughts and prayers of all Charlestonians are with the people of Orlando today, as we grieve for the lost and for those they left behind. He was investigated in the past for possible terrorist activity, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation came up short of any moveable action.
“Objectively speaking, I can honestly say that being here and supporting others, if it does for them what it did for us, we’ve done a lot, just by coming, just by hugging and showing love”, she said.
Clark warned that Americans are passing a world to their children and grandchildren that is divisive and breeds hate. Clark said she would be back home for the start of those events. “It was a very touching moment for me because the love was both given and received”.
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Emma Dumain is The Post and Courier’s Washington correspondent.
