Churches in blood is old news. Our black churches exist for solace from spilled blood, exist to provide Christ and sanctuary; to structure equality of color, structure embrace of all who Bible study, embrace Rough young man lost in hunt under church roof.
One witness left to tell the worst of one. No screaming audio; no, “Please, no!” No last calls to Jesus as nine bled their last. Slaughter-stained battle flag flies after slaughter. Forty-five, birthday gun a forty-five, targeting beloved icon, hate’s best target.
Justice, black churches were built to find justice not found outside the church, where white noose not courts held sway, where knight riders were the courts. Mercy, the murdered in prayer found no mercy. Hatred is merciless. Church forgives hatred. Under the vaults of heaven all go under.