Reverend Eric Manning reflecting on his experience as the pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church, particularly in the nine years following the tragic shooting in 2015.
On June 17, 2015, Reverend Manning, then a pastor in Georgetown, received the devastating news of a shooting at Mother Emanuel, where nine church members, including Reverend Clemente Pinkney, were killed during a weekly Bible study [00:47]. A year later, in an unexpected turn, Reverend Manning was asked to lead Mother Emanuel [01:30]. He admitted to the congregation that he didn’t know how to lead them through their pain but trusted that God would guide them [01:46].
Initially, Reverend Manning focused on meeting church members in their grief [02:01], even holding a Bible study specifically for Mother Emanuel members on how to cope when their sanctuary has been violated [02:07]. He gave the congregation permission to process their emotions, emphasizing that it was “okay” to still be doubting or to not have forgiven [02:33].
Over the past decade, the church has demonstrated resilience and perseverance, continuing to be a “light in the pathway of darkness” [02:52]. Reverend Manning expresses immense gratitude for his personal growth during his nine years at Mother Emanuel, hoping his maturity will help others in the community [03:50]. His message as the 10-year mark approaches is one of patience and not losing hope [04:33]. He concludes with a powerful saying from the Black church: “While I breathe I hope” [04:43].
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