Three days after an arrest was made in the three St. Landry Parish church fires, a show of unity.
Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church opened its doors for the congregations. The message was about healing and love.
Governor John Bel Edwards acknowledged this is just the beginning of the healing process.
“The congregations at St. Mary’s, Greater Union and Mount Pleasant…someone has trespassed on those congregations. It’s our obligation, it is your obligation to forgive,” Edwards said.
The Governor said as we go into this week, it’s important to remember the church is just a building…the people are the church.
“Your hearts may be heavy, but I hope this tragedy can be turned into a triumphant display of faith,” said Edwards.
Calvin James Moore, Senior Pastor of Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church said, “We have to forgive. We cannot hold grudges. The bible teaches us to forgive, let that go and let us come together and unify for Pastor Toussaint, Pastor Richard and Pastor Sylvester.”
Those effected by the church fires say it’s important not only to unite in faith and love, but to pray for Holden Matthews and his family.
“We love them and we care about them,” said Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Harry Richard. “We pray God’s best blessing on their lives.”
Edwards said, “We could all use a clean heart. Every one of us.”
Richard said, “We’re not about hate. We’re all about love in this Louisiana state. We love God’s people. The body of Christ is alive and well.”
Holden Matthews, the suspect in the church fires is scheduled to have a bond hearing on Monday.
