Former Emanuel A.M.E. Pastor Reacts to Mass Shooting

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COLUMBIA,S.C. (WOLO) — “This isn’t about racism. This is just evil.” Those are the words of Emanuel A.M.E. former pastor, Reverend Stephen Singleton, after he heard about the mass shooting that killed many of his former colleagues, church members, and friends. The place of worship usually filled with light, just not flashing red and blue ones. Reverend Stephen Singleton left just before Senator Pinkney took over. Singleton says had he not started his own ministry here in Columbia, he might not be speaking with us today. “I would have been the pastor there, and believe me, it’s something that makes you wonder what message or lesson should I be getting. It’s really baffling.” Singleton believes there’s always an answer for life’s tragedies. Still, the violent killings of nine people he knew personally, some of them ministers, is one question he says he wishes he didn’t have to ask. “We don’t have all the answers. We’re all preserved for some reason. We don’t always know why. If you have people in your life that you love, make sure they know it.” The bereavement turned anger was Singleton’s self-admitted struggle as he watched images flash on the screen and his phone ring non-stop. He says each call was worse than the one before. Singleton says the faith of others who were there – and lost loved ones – is being tested – but one they can pass with love, peace, and most importantly – forgiveness. “We are living in crazy times, and evil never wins. It might win the battle, but it doesn’t win the war.”