Sumter AME churches hold “Enough is Enough” anti-gun violence prayer service

Members of the 26 Sumter District African Methodist Episcopal churches gathered Saturday, March 25, at Wayman Chapel AME to say “Enough is Enough” when it comes to gun violence through the power of prayer. 

The event was planned a month ago, but the conversation over gun violence is at the forefront in Sumter after Tuesday's killing of three children, who were all siblings, and a U.S. Army Central soldier late Tuesday. Police say the kids' mother's ex-husband killed the four victims before turning the gun on himself. It was the deadliest domestic-related incidence of gun violence in Sumter's history, to the police chief's knowledge.

“The whole community is upset with that situation, but we’re upset about any person who is a victim of gun violence,” said the Rev. Robert China Jr. “We’re here today to try, to preferably hopefully make a difference.”

There have been four shootings in Sumter that have claimed the lives of eight people this year so far. Two of tbose deaths are reported as self-inflicted.

Read more about this event on Monday online at TheItem.com and in Tuesday's edition of The Sumter Item.

There is a community prayer and support service happening tomorrow, Sunday, March 26, at Alice Drive Baptist Church in direct response to this week's shooting. The service starts at 4 p.m., and support counselors will be there at 3 p.m.