Local churches focus on safety during Charleston shooting vigils

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There is an emphasis on making worshipers feel safe at African American churches in the Chicago area as a prayer vigil was held for the South Carolina shooting victims at a church on city's South Side Friday.

As Chicago's community of faith comes together, there are not only prayers for healing, but also promises by Rev. Emmanuel Vaughn Sr. that God will keep church members safe.

"He will watch over and protect us; now that's on the sacred side. On the other side, I will have people available to maintain the doors until we get past this initial fear," said Rev. Emmanuel Vaughn Sr.

While hosting a prayer vigil at his South Side church, the pastor of Grant Memorial AME Church says he wants church ushers to be more aware while continuing to make sure everyone feels welcome.

"Any place that people gather socially, you have to be aware of your surroundings," said Frank Johnson, a church usher.

The AME church is the latest to hold a service to remember the senseless tragedy, which remains very much on the minds of the organizers of this weekend's Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate.

Now in its 16th year, the event honors the legacy of the former Northwestern University basketball coach who, while walking with his two young children, was gunned down by a white supremacist in 1999.

And while gun control advocates blamed the Charleston attack by alleged shooter Dylann Roof on degenerate gun culture, gun rights groups say the massacre was fueled by hate.

"There's nothing that any gun control law that I know of would have done to stop this," said Rick Pearson, Illinois State Rifle Association executive director.

Meanwhile, as some say the tragedy could ultimately make the church stronger, churchgoer Betty Parque says she won't let violence stop her from worshiping Sunday.

"I just feel that the Lord will protect me and I'll be coming and not be having any thoughts about it," Parque said.