Charleston remembers victims on church shooting anniversary

Marion Kimpson, meanwhile, both called for stronger gun control laws. He called Roof a home-grown terrorist.

A woman reads the program for a memorial service honoring those killed in last year’s shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., Friday, June 17, 2016.

The service marked the one-year anniversary of the shootings that claimed the lives of nine parishioners during a Bible study at the historic black church.

Hymns were led by a 100-member choir and a minister prayed for the Charleston and Orlando victims, as well as for the soul of the accused church shooter, Dylann Roof. Later, the congregation sang Lift Every Voice and Sing.

There was singing at this morning’s service, which was held inside a sports arena at the College of Charleston.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley showed the programs from nine funeral she has kept since last summer, and spoke about faith and each victim. Tim Scott were scheduled to speak at the service, along with other local politicians and leaders, ABC News reported.

Wesley Theological Seminary on Friday announced the formation of a Doctor of Ministry program in public engagement in memory of state Sen.

The Midlands is also taking time to honor the Emanuel Nine, one year later.

Pinckney Scholarships have also been established to help students in need.

Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41, was a South Carolina state Senator and pastor at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Myra Thompson, 59, was a Bible study teacher at Mother Emanuel AME church.

The Human Rights Campaign, the largest U.S. LGBT-rights organization, is calling for several measures to curb gun violence in the aftermath of the attack that killed 49 patrons and staff at a gay nightclub in Orlando, .

Melissa Rogers, special assistant to President Barack Obama, delivered a message from the White House on Friday at the memorial.

Defense attorney David Bruck filed court documents late Wednesday saying the defendant presently doesn’t intend to request a change in venue.

Friday is the anniversary of the Emanuel AME shootings and memorial services are being held. Roof faces hate crimes and other charges and the government is seeking the death penalty in the trial set for November 7.

As well as the memorial, events including Bible study sessions, a prayer breakfast and tree plantings will take place around Charleston.

Security was tight for the service at the TD Arena, where a stage was fronted by banner portraits of each of the nine victims and backed by the flags of many countries.