Saint Stephen Views Emanuel
By Rev. Dr. Constance C. Wheeler, 11thEpiscopal District
On Wednesday, June 19, 2019, the Rev. Dr. David W. Green, Sr. and First Lady Kimberly Green led a contingent of Saint Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida, to view the documentary film Emanuel: The Untold Story of the Victims and Survivors of the Charleston Church Shooting.Also sharing in this momentous occasion was our member, Bishop Robert V. Webster, the 110thelected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church.
In response to a poignant appeal from Pastor Green, members of St. Stephen came out in large numbers, selling out two movie theaters. Before the Emanuel Nine Memorial during worship, he stated, “This is our story, as African Americans and particularly as AMEs, this is a part of our history now, we have a stake in this story.” As we marked the fourth anniversary and as our Connectional Church continues to try and make sense of the events of June 17, 2015, we stood together as a church family in support of the executive producers that brought the tragedy and ultimate triumph to life on the movie screen.
As we watched and listened to the many stories and commentaries from family members and survivors, our hearts began to feel their suffering as they wrestled with many “why” questions surrounding their loss. Many of us cried and felt the pain as they remembered their loved ones. Some also felt anger as they watched the image and actions of the gunman. Others recalled where they were when they heard the news and the impact that it had on them, especially since it happened in one of our AME churches.
When leaving the theater, many were heard saying how much they enjoyed the documentary and that it was very well done. There were expressions of outrage and tears of empathy. One member stated that the film was enlightening and sad at the same time. Bishop Webster was also pleased with the presentation. “It was important for me, for all AMEs, to see this film,”he stated as he exited the theater.
A stellar creative endeavor, Emanuelwas a film about love and hate, justice and faith, hope and healing, as it examined the healing power of forgiveness. As one of our members exclaimed on Facebook after viewing the film, “Forgiveness is power!”
