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Obama sings Amazing Grace at funeral of Charleston victim Clementa Pinckney – rolling report Obama sings Amazing Grace at funeral of Charleston victim Clementa Pinckney – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
4.41pm ET21:41
This blog will now close – thanks for reading. Ed Pilkington’s report from Charleston is here.
Updated at 4.44pm ET
4.17pm ET21:17
We will soon bring this live blog to a close. Ed Pilkington’s report from Charleston will be live soon. He begins:
Wrapping his words in the cloak of a church sermon, deploying the inflections and oratorical rhythms of a pastor, President Barack Obama delivered one of his most searing speeches on modern race relations in America …
Updated at 4.25pm ET
4.09pm ET21:094.09pm ET21:09
Summary: "This whole week I've reflected on grace"Summary: "This whole week I've reflected on grace"
America loves it when its president sings. Today, America sang with him as he launched into a rendition of Amazing Grace.America loves it when its president sings. Today, America sang with him as he launched into a rendition of Amazing Grace.
“This whole week I’ve reflected on grace,” President Obama said at the beginning of his speech at the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney in Charleston, South Carolina. “The Amazing Grace.”“This whole week I’ve reflected on grace,” President Obama said at the beginning of his speech at the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney in Charleston, South Carolina. “The Amazing Grace.”
Grace was the subject at the core of the eulogy, which earned from some observers Obama’s newest title: minister-in-chief.Grace was the subject at the core of the eulogy, which earned from some observers Obama’s newest title: minister-in-chief.
Here is a quick summary of what the president said:Here is a quick summary of what the president said:
3.32pm ET20:323.32pm ET20:32
Here is a video of Obama breaking into song, while delivering his eulogy of Clementa PinckneyHere is a video of Obama breaking into song, while delivering his eulogy of Clementa Pinckney
Obama leads the arena in Amazing Grace. pic.twitter.com/OhyzdopB2JObama leads the arena in Amazing Grace. pic.twitter.com/OhyzdopB2J
3.29pm ET20:293.29pm ET20:29
President Obama concludes his eulogyPresident Obama concludes his eulogy
After finishing his brief rendition of the Amazing Grace, Obama lists the victims of the 17 June shooting, saying:After finishing his brief rendition of the Amazing Grace, Obama lists the victims of the 17 June shooting, saying:
Clementa Pinckney found that graceClementa Pinckney found that grace
Cynthia Hurd found that grace.Cynthia Hurd found that grace.
Susie Jackson found that graceSusie Jackson found that grace
Ethel Lance found that graceEthel Lance found that grace
DePayne Middleton-Doctor found that graceDePayne Middleton-Doctor found that grace
Tywanza Sanders found that graceTywanza Sanders found that grace
Daniel Simmons found that graceDaniel Simmons found that grace
Sharonda Singleton found that graceSharonda Singleton found that grace
Myra Thompson found that grace.Myra Thompson found that grace.
“May God continue to shed his grace on the United States of America,” the president says.“May God continue to shed his grace on the United States of America,” the president says.
And with that he is done.And with that he is done.
Updated at 3.55pm ETUpdated at 3.55pm ET
3.26pm ET20:263.26pm ET20:26
Pinckney “understood that justice stems from recognition ... that my liberty depends on you being free too. That history can’t be a sword to justify injustice,” says Obama.Pinckney “understood that justice stems from recognition ... that my liberty depends on you being free too. That history can’t be a sword to justify injustice,” says Obama.
Instead, he says, history must be used as a manual to break the cycle.Instead, he says, history must be used as a manual to break the cycle.
3.25pm ET20:253.25pm ET20:25
Obama has now begun to sing Amazing Grace.Obama has now begun to sing Amazing Grace.
He is joined by the congregation.He is joined by the congregation.
Updated at 3.26pm ETUpdated at 3.26pm ET
3.23pm ET20:233.23pm ET20:23
Obama says we all must think about conscious and unconscious racial discrimination in our every day lives. Not just about racial slurs, but also about how we want to call Johnny back for a job interview, but not Jamal.Obama says we all must think about conscious and unconscious racial discrimination in our every day lives. Not just about racial slurs, but also about how we want to call Johnny back for a job interview, but not Jamal.
We have to begin by treating every child equally no matter their race or the station they were born into, he says.We have to begin by treating every child equally no matter their race or the station they were born into, he says.
Obama also says we need to open our eyes to the mayhem of gun violence.Obama also says we need to open our eyes to the mayhem of gun violence.
“Sporadically our eyes are open,” he says, as when people are shot at an elementary school, at a movie theatre, or in the basement of a church.“Sporadically our eyes are open,” he says, as when people are shot at an elementary school, at a movie theatre, or in the basement of a church.
We should also not forget about the 30 lives lost to gun violence every day, he adds. Or the survivors, who are crippled by guns, or children now fearful and communities overflowing with grief.We should also not forget about the 30 lives lost to gun violence every day, he adds. Or the survivors, who are crippled by guns, or children now fearful and communities overflowing with grief.
Every time another act of gun violence occurs, someone says we need to talk about race, says Obama.Every time another act of gun violence occurs, someone says we need to talk about race, says Obama.
We talk a lot about race. There’s no shortcut. We don’t need more talk.We talk a lot about race. There’s no shortcut. We don’t need more talk.
3.16pm ET20:163.16pm ET20:16
Obama says that South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s remarks calling for removal of the Confederate flag from the state capitol were worthy of praise.Obama says that South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s remarks calling for removal of the Confederate flag from the state capitol were worthy of praise.
Obama says that the “flag has always represented more than just ancestral pride” – a remark which is greeted by great applause.Obama says that the “flag has always represented more than just ancestral pride” – a remark which is greeted by great applause.
“For many, black and white, that flag was a reminder of system oppression and racial segregation,” Obama says.“For many, black and white, that flag was a reminder of system oppression and racial segregation,” Obama says.
Removing the flag is not an act of political correctness, Obama says, but a sign that the cause for which the Confederates fought, the cause of slavery, was wrong.Removing the flag is not an act of political correctness, Obama says, but a sign that the cause for which the Confederates fought, the cause of slavery, was wrong.
3.12pm ET20:123.12pm ET20:12
“God has visited grace upon us for he has allowed us to see where we have been blind,” Obama says, after quoting a portion of Amazing Grace. “He has given us a chance to find … our best selves.”“God has visited grace upon us for he has allowed us to see where we have been blind,” Obama says, after quoting a portion of Amazing Grace. “He has given us a chance to find … our best selves.”
Obama says we must prove ourselves worthy of this Grace bestowed upon us by God.Obama says we must prove ourselves worthy of this Grace bestowed upon us by God.
3.10pm ET20:103.10pm ET20:10
Note that Obama does not name the suspect.Note that Obama does not name the suspect.
3.10pm ET20:103.10pm ET20:10
To great applause, Obama says that “the alleged killer” was blinded by hatred; that the alleged killer could not see the grace around Pinckney and the bible study group as they opened the doors of the church to him.To great applause, Obama says that “the alleged killer” was blinded by hatred; that the alleged killer could not see the grace around Pinckney and the bible study group as they opened the doors of the church to him.
He could not see, the president says, that the families of victims would respond with words of forgiveness or that the nation would respond not with revulsion but with a retrospection and self-examination that we so rarely see.He could not see, the president says, that the families of victims would respond with words of forgiveness or that the nation would respond not with revulsion but with a retrospection and self-examination that we so rarely see.
3.07pm ET20:073.07pm ET20:07
Obama says that it is not known if the suspect in the shooting knew the history of the church he targeted, but says he probably sensed its meaning.Obama says that it is not known if the suspect in the shooting knew the history of the church he targeted, but says he probably sensed its meaning.
“[It was] an act that he imagined would incite fear and recrimination, violence and suspicion, an act that he presumed would deepend divisions that track back to our nation’s original sin,” says Obama.“[It was] an act that he imagined would incite fear and recrimination, violence and suspicion, an act that he presumed would deepend divisions that track back to our nation’s original sin,” says Obama.
“God works in mysterious ways. God has different ideas. He didn’t know he was being used by God.”“God works in mysterious ways. God has different ideas. He didn’t know he was being used by God.”
3.06pm ET20:063.06pm ET20:06
The Black church is our beating heart, says Obama.The Black church is our beating heart, says Obama.
“There is no better example of this than Mother Emanuel.”“There is no better example of this than Mother Emanuel.”
3.04pm ET20:043.04pm ET20:04
Pinckney was a good man, Obama says, adding: “You don’t have to be of high station to be a good man.” According to Obama, that js all one can hope for when eulogizing anyone – that after all the résumés are read, that the person be a good person.Pinckney was a good man, Obama says, adding: “You don’t have to be of high station to be a good man.” According to Obama, that js all one can hope for when eulogizing anyone – that after all the résumés are read, that the person be a good person.
Obama names all nine people shot dead last week: Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Reverend Daniel Simmons Sr, Reverend Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson.Obama names all nine people shot dead last week: Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Reverend Daniel Simmons Sr, Reverend Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson.
“To the families of fallen, the nation shares in your grief. The church is and always has been the center of African American life. A place to call our own in often hostile world. A sanctuary from many hardships.”“To the families of fallen, the nation shares in your grief. The church is and always has been the center of African American life. A place to call our own in often hostile world. A sanctuary from many hardships.”
2.58pm ET19:582.58pm ET19:58
The president is speaking now.The president is speaking now.
“The bible tells us to hope and persevere,” he began.“The bible tells us to hope and persevere,” he began.
Obama went on to say that while he did not know Pinckney well, he did meet him when they were both young – when Obama had fewer visible grey hairs.Obama went on to say that while he did not know Pinckney well, he did meet him when they were both young – when Obama had fewer visible grey hairs.
Obama said Pinckney came from a family of preachers and a family of protesters who fought for the right to vote and helped desegregate the South.Obama said Pinckney came from a family of preachers and a family of protesters who fought for the right to vote and helped desegregate the South.
As he speaks, you can hear murmurs of agreement from the crowd.As he speaks, you can hear murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
2.49pm ET19:492.49pm ET19:49
President Obama begins his eulogy of Clementa PinckneyPresident Obama begins his eulogy of Clementa Pinckney
About two and half hours into this touching funeral service, President Obama has taken the stage at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina to deliver his eulogy of Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight others was shot dead on 17 June.About two and half hours into this touching funeral service, President Obama has taken the stage at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina to deliver his eulogy of Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight others was shot dead on 17 June.
2.47pm ET19:472.47pm ET19:47
The expectations for Obama’s eulogy are high. Minutes before he was due to deliver his speech, one of the speakers asked that the president’s ears be “pinned to the wisdom posts”, his words “become the sledgehammers of truth”, his words “become dynamite” and his tongue “be like fire”.The expectations for Obama’s eulogy are high. Minutes before he was due to deliver his speech, one of the speakers asked that the president’s ears be “pinned to the wisdom posts”, his words “become the sledgehammers of truth”, his words “become dynamite” and his tongue “be like fire”.
2.23pm ET19:232.23pm ET19:23
Jennifer Pinckney, wife of Reverend Pinckney, who many have mentioned in their remarks through today’s service, has penned a tribute to her late husband:Jennifer Pinckney, wife of Reverend Pinckney, who many have mentioned in their remarks through today’s service, has penned a tribute to her late husband:
I do not know how to think about moving forward, but I know I must!I do not know how to think about moving forward, but I know I must!
I have tried to be strong for the girls, but this is hard for all of us!I have tried to be strong for the girls, but this is hard for all of us!
You promised me you would never leave me!You promised me you would never leave me!
You promised me we would be together for years to come!You promised me we would be together for years to come!
You promised me we would watch our children grow, get married, and have children of their own.You promised me we would watch our children grow, get married, and have children of their own.
You promised me that we would grow old together and spend our latter years without the demands of the Church or State.You promised me that we would grow old together and spend our latter years without the demands of the Church or State.
I feel robbed, cheated and cut short.I feel robbed, cheated and cut short.
I feel badly that our girls will never have their father to watch them grow.I feel badly that our girls will never have their father to watch them grow.
But I am thankful for one consolation that your life was not in vain.But I am thankful for one consolation that your life was not in vain.
Crying to myself, reading this painful, painful tribute from Jennifer Pinckney, wife of Rev. Pinckney. pic.twitter.com/NuScdOpRiqCrying to myself, reading this painful, painful tribute from Jennifer Pinckney, wife of Rev. Pinckney. pic.twitter.com/NuScdOpRiq
I am told that President Obama just requested to speak to the daughters of Rev. Pinckney before he speaks.I am told that President Obama just requested to speak to the daughters of Rev. Pinckney before he speaks.
Updated at 2.24pm ETUpdated at 2.24pm ET
2.11pm ET19:112.11pm ET19:11
As we await President Obama’s eulogy, here is a reminder of what he had to say a week ago:As we await President Obama’s eulogy, here is a reminder of what he had to say a week ago:
Any death of this sort is a tragedy. Any shooting involving multiple victims is a tragedy. There is something particularly heartbreaking about the death happening in a place in which we seek solace and we seek peace, in a place of worship.Any death of this sort is a tragedy. Any shooting involving multiple victims is a tragedy. There is something particularly heartbreaking about the death happening in a place in which we seek solace and we seek peace, in a place of worship.
Mother Emanuel is, in fact, more than a church. This is a place of worship that was founded by African Americans seeking liberty. This is a church that was burned to the ground because its worshipers worked to end slavery. When there were laws banning all-black church gatherings, they conducted services in secret. When there was a nonviolent movement to bring our country closer in line with our highest ideals, some of our brightest leaders spoke and led marches from this church’s steps. This is a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America.Mother Emanuel is, in fact, more than a church. This is a place of worship that was founded by African Americans seeking liberty. This is a church that was burned to the ground because its worshipers worked to end slavery. When there were laws banning all-black church gatherings, they conducted services in secret. When there was a nonviolent movement to bring our country closer in line with our highest ideals, some of our brightest leaders spoke and led marches from this church’s steps. This is a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America.
2.04pm ET19:042.04pm ET19:04
President Obama has arrived in Charleston.President Obama has arrived in Charleston.
According to the White House pool report, the local fire marshall has estimated the crowd gathered in the TD Arena at 5,500 people.According to the White House pool report, the local fire marshall has estimated the crowd gathered in the TD Arena at 5,500 people.
Side note: this was John Boehner’s first flight on Air Force One during the Obama presidency.Side note: this was John Boehner’s first flight on Air Force One during the Obama presidency.
1.44pm ET18:441.44pm ET18:44
While we wait for President Obama to deliver his eulogy, here is an excerpt from the New York Times profile of the late reverend:While we wait for President Obama to deliver his eulogy, here is an excerpt from the New York Times profile of the late reverend:
Clementa Carlos Pinckney, who was martyred last week in the basement of Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, and who will be eulogized on Friday morning by the president of the United States, never lacked for either precocity or audacity.Clementa Carlos Pinckney, who was martyred last week in the basement of Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, and who will be eulogized on Friday morning by the president of the United States, never lacked for either precocity or audacity.
He was ordained at 18, and assigned almost immediately to fill in for an ailing pastor in Green Pond, SC. He presided over student government in high school and in college and, seeing politics as complementary to his ministry, earned master’s degrees in both divinity and public administration. At 23, he became the youngest elected black member of South Carolina’s legislature.He was ordained at 18, and assigned almost immediately to fill in for an ailing pastor in Green Pond, SC. He presided over student government in high school and in college and, seeing politics as complementary to his ministry, earned master’s degrees in both divinity and public administration. At 23, he became the youngest elected black member of South Carolina’s legislature.
After a pair of two-year terms in the House, he won a State Senate seat and expanded his constituency to five Lowcountry counties. He easily won re-election three times, twice without opposition. While commuting hundreds of miles a week to Columbia, he pastored four churches in succession and served as a district administrator before being appointed at 36 to lead Emanuel, the most prestigious AME pulpit in the state.After a pair of two-year terms in the House, he won a State Senate seat and expanded his constituency to five Lowcountry counties. He easily won re-election three times, twice without opposition. While commuting hundreds of miles a week to Columbia, he pastored four churches in succession and served as a district administrator before being appointed at 36 to lead Emanuel, the most prestigious AME pulpit in the state.
Mr Pinckney died young as well. He was 43 days shy of his 42nd birthday when he welcomed a young white stranger into Bible study on 17 June. An hour later, the gunman had massacred the pastor and eight other worshipers in a bloody declaration of racial warfare. In a shocking instant, Mr Pinckney joined the pantheon of American leaders who have been cut down before fulfilling their potential.Mr Pinckney died young as well. He was 43 days shy of his 42nd birthday when he welcomed a young white stranger into Bible study on 17 June. An hour later, the gunman had massacred the pastor and eight other worshipers in a bloody declaration of racial warfare. In a shocking instant, Mr Pinckney joined the pantheon of American leaders who have been cut down before fulfilling their potential.
You can read the entire profile here.You can read the entire profile here.
Here, meanwhile, is a photographic look at how South Carolina has mourned Pinckney – “the modern pastor” – over the last couple of days.Here, meanwhile, is a photographic look at how South Carolina has mourned Pinckney – “the modern pastor” – over the last couple of days.
1.16pm ET18:161.16pm ET18:16
Ed PilkingtonEd Pilkington
The TD Arena at the College of Charleston where the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney is being held has been the scene of an extraordinary outpouring of grief this morning. Thousands of people have endured intense heat to wait for hours in line in hope of attending the service. Thousands have been turned away.The TD Arena at the College of Charleston where the funeral of Reverend Clementa Pinckney is being held has been the scene of an extraordinary outpouring of grief this morning. Thousands of people have endured intense heat to wait for hours in line in hope of attending the service. Thousands have been turned away.
Gospel singers in line for Rev Pinckney funeral #Charlestonshooting longest line I've ever seen https://t.co/fJgyGY0Y8wGospel singers in line for Rev Pinckney funeral #Charlestonshooting longest line I've ever seen https://t.co/fJgyGY0Y8w
Inside the arena, packed with more than 5,000 attendees, the tone of the service has been one of celebration of the life of Pinckney rather than dwelling on the horror of last week. The full choir of Mother Emanuel, Pinckney’s church where he was gunned down last week, has been pounding out gospel songs; many of the women in the arena are dressed in brilliant white.Inside the arena, packed with more than 5,000 attendees, the tone of the service has been one of celebration of the life of Pinckney rather than dwelling on the horror of last week. The full choir of Mother Emanuel, Pinckney’s church where he was gunned down last week, has been pounding out gospel songs; many of the women in the arena are dressed in brilliant white.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the proceedings are the messages left to Pinckney by his two young daughters in the published order of service. Malana, who hid with her mother Jennifer in a side room while her father and eight other members of the church were being killed, wrote:Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the proceedings are the messages left to Pinckney by his two young daughters in the published order of service. Malana, who hid with her mother Jennifer in a side room while her father and eight other members of the church were being killed, wrote:
Dear DaddyDear Daddy
I know you were shot at the ChurchI know you were shot at the Church
And you went to HeavenAnd you went to Heaven
I love you so much!I love you so much!
I know you love meI know you love me
Her sister Eliana wrote a poem, part of which reads:Her sister Eliana wrote a poem, part of which reads:
My dear father passed awayMy dear father passed away
And although he may be goneAnd although he may be gone
He’s there with me all day and night longHe’s there with me all day and night long
I will always remember and love youI will always remember and love you
God Almighty. Poems written by Malana and Eliana Pinckney for their father. In the funeral program this morning. pic.twitter.com/CgGsE0il8UGod Almighty. Poems written by Malana and Eliana Pinckney for their father. In the funeral program this morning. pic.twitter.com/CgGsE0il8U
Updated at 1.17pm ETUpdated at 1.17pm ET
1.09pm ET18:091.09pm ET18:09
This service really is a celebration of Pinckney and his life of service.This service really is a celebration of Pinckney and his life of service.
Pinckney has been lauded by speakers for taking up issues like expansion of Medicaid, access to the voting booth, end of the predatory lending practices and push for body cameras for America’s police forces.Pinckney has been lauded by speakers for taking up issues like expansion of Medicaid, access to the voting booth, end of the predatory lending practices and push for body cameras for America’s police forces.
He used his for the voiceless, said state senator Gerald Malloy.He used his for the voiceless, said state senator Gerald Malloy.
Malloy said Pinckney’s last act as a Christian and senator was to open his door to someone he did not know, someone who did not look like him. As America pays its respect to Pickney it must not close the doors he gave his life to open, said Malloy.Malloy said Pinckney’s last act as a Christian and senator was to open his door to someone he did not know, someone who did not look like him. As America pays its respect to Pickney it must not close the doors he gave his life to open, said Malloy.
“His sacrifice must lead to reconciliation,” he said.“His sacrifice must lead to reconciliation,” he said.
Other speakers called on those gathered to remember Pinckney when they “are tempted to do what is politically expedient instead of what’s right” and also called for prayers for President Obama, who they said is not just a global statesman but also a churchman.Other speakers called on those gathered to remember Pinckney when they “are tempted to do what is politically expedient instead of what’s right” and also called for prayers for President Obama, who they said is not just a global statesman but also a churchman.
12.57pm ET17:5712.57pm ET17:57
Last night, while performing in South Carolina, Sir Paul McCartney dedicated a song to the victims of the mass shooting, according to the Huffington Post.Last night, while performing in South Carolina, Sir Paul McCartney dedicated a song to the victims of the mass shooting, according to the Huffington Post.
“We pray that people of all colors will be able to live together in peace and harmony,” said McCartney, before launching into a rendition of the 1970 Beatles classic The Long And Winding Road.“We pray that people of all colors will be able to live together in peace and harmony,” said McCartney, before launching into a rendition of the 1970 Beatles classic The Long And Winding Road.
Paul McCartney dedicates "Long and Winding Road" to Charleston during his concert in Columbia pic.twitter.com/dPgtvJLlyGPaul McCartney dedicates "Long and Winding Road" to Charleston during his concert in Columbia pic.twitter.com/dPgtvJLlyG
12.47pm ET17:4712.47pm ET17:47
Among those in attendance:Among those in attendance:
Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, Charleston mayor Joe Riley, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, Charleston mayor Joe Riley, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
John Boehner, speaker of the House, is on his way. He is traveling with President Obama.John Boehner, speaker of the House, is on his way. He is traveling with President Obama.
12.33pm ET17:3312.33pm ET17:33
12.33pm ET17:3312.33pm ET17:33
Shortly, we are expected to hear from President Obama when he delivers his eulogy. Here is Ed Pilkington on what to expect:Shortly, we are expected to hear from President Obama when he delivers his eulogy. Here is Ed Pilkington on what to expect:
In his remarks so far on the Charleston massacre, Obama has tended to emphasize his frustration with America’s lax gun laws which, as he put it the day after the shootings, has forced him “to make statements like this too many times”. He also made reference in that speech to the Emanuel AME church, the scene of the carnage, as a place of worship founded by African Americans seeking an end to slavery.In his remarks so far on the Charleston massacre, Obama has tended to emphasize his frustration with America’s lax gun laws which, as he put it the day after the shootings, has forced him “to make statements like this too many times”. He also made reference in that speech to the Emanuel AME church, the scene of the carnage, as a place of worship founded by African Americans seeking an end to slavery.
But his remarks in public over the past nine days have been restrained, muted almost, in regard to the overt racial nature of the attack. The past nine days have been in keeping with the cautious stance that America’s first black president has consistently adopted when talking directly about the country’s legacy of racial strife.But his remarks in public over the past nine days have been restrained, muted almost, in regard to the overt racial nature of the attack. The past nine days have been in keeping with the cautious stance that America’s first black president has consistently adopted when talking directly about the country’s legacy of racial strife.
Whatever the extent of his comments on race on Friday, it is certain that his eulogy will address the many achievements of its subject. The president will have rich material to work with – the aftermath of last week’s massacre has been marked by an outpouring of affection and praise for the 41-year-old Pinckney in both his public roles, as pastor and as state senator.Whatever the extent of his comments on race on Friday, it is certain that his eulogy will address the many achievements of its subject. The president will have rich material to work with – the aftermath of last week’s massacre has been marked by an outpouring of affection and praise for the 41-year-old Pinckney in both his public roles, as pastor and as state senator.
Related: Cloud of racism hangs heavy over Obama eulogy for South Carolina pastorRelated: Cloud of racism hangs heavy over Obama eulogy for South Carolina pastor
12.30pm ET17:3012.30pm ET17:30
Funeral service is under wayFuneral service is under way
It’s been little over a week since Dylann Roof entered the Emanuel AME church, joined a bible study group and killed nine people. More than 5,000 people have gathered to pay their respects to Reverend Clementa Pinckney, the pastor who among those gunned down by Roof. Pinckney was 41 years old and a father of two.It’s been little over a week since Dylann Roof entered the Emanuel AME church, joined a bible study group and killed nine people. More than 5,000 people have gathered to pay their respects to Reverend Clementa Pinckney, the pastor who among those gunned down by Roof. Pinckney was 41 years old and a father of two.
Barack Obama is expected to deliver the eulogy for Reverend Pinckney. He will be joined by first lady Michelle Obama as well as vice-president Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. Hillary Clinton is also in attendance.Barack Obama is expected to deliver the eulogy for Reverend Pinckney. He will be joined by first lady Michelle Obama as well as vice-president Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. Hillary Clinton is also in attendance.
As Pinckney’s funeral got under way, those gathered at the TD Arena at the College of Charleston were invited to join in the service and were reminded that despite the television cameras and the long lines “what we enter now is worship”.As Pinckney’s funeral got under way, those gathered at the TD Arena at the College of Charleston were invited to join in the service and were reminded that despite the television cameras and the long lines “what we enter now is worship”.
They were told that the venue was no longer a TD Arena but a sanctuary.They were told that the venue was no longer a TD Arena but a sanctuary.
Join us now as we cover this service live. My colleague Ed Pilkington is reporting live from Charleston.Join us now as we cover this service live. My colleague Ed Pilkington is reporting live from Charleston.