Rev. Tyler Tells Congregation 'I've Been Mad At God All Week'
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver's Shorter Community AME Church is a sister church to the one in South Carolina where nine people were shot to death. Rev. Timothy Tyler says since the shooting they have received hundreds of calls and cards from the community.
Days after a gunman opened fire in Bible study and killed nine people at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, church members and newcomers alike filed into Denver's Shorter Community AME Church on Sunday.
"Why do good people suffer?" Tyler said to his congregation.
Some were returning members, but for others their presence was a show of solidarity.
"I did not want to be represented by the shooter," said a woman who isn't a member of the church but came Sunday to show support.
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Almost every seat in the church was filled as thoughts of those killed Wednesday night made hearts heavy and feelings palpable.
"I've been mad at God all week," Tyler said to the group.
Yet the African Methodist Episcopal denomination has a history of overcoming challenges.
"It's strong. It believes in God and it put its faith in God," said church member Frank Johnson of Denver.
Members say they again will rise, even when answers aren't easily found.
"I know that (God is) going to work it out," Tyler said.
They turn to faith and friendship.
"There's a lot of hate out there, a lot of bigotry, but there's a lot of decency too," a woman said.
A funeral will be held Friday for one of the victims, pastor and South Carolina State Sen. Clementa Pinckney. Tyler says he will travel to South Carolina to pay his respects to his late friend.
