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Vice President Pence shares words of hope with members of St. Landry Parish churches

Posted at 6:16 PM, May 03, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-03 19:58:56-04

Vice President Mike Pence is in Kentucky tonight after spending part of the day in St. Landry Parish.

Pence met with the pastors of the three churches that were torched by an arsonist and toured one of those churches.

Air Force Two landed at Lafayette Regional Airport around 12:15 p.m. Friday. The vice president briefly shook hands with VIP guests and Louisiana dignitaries.

A somber mood filled the site of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Vice President Pence signed the guest book when he arrived before touring the ravaged church.

Pence’s visit lasted roughly 30 minutes, shaking hands and speaking briefly with the effected congregations.

“What happened here at Mt. Pleasant, Greater Union and St. Mary’s was evil, but these communities of faith have overcome evil with good.”

The vice president said no one should fear for their safety in a house of worship.

“These attacks on communities of faith must stop.”

Pence also noted the strength of the community.

“To think of churches burning one day after another and how people might have responded, and to see how people here in these churches, the community and across Louisiana responded is an inspiration to the nation,” said Pence.

The crowd responded, “Amen.”

So far, a GoFundMe for the rebuilding efforts has reached more than $2.1 million, and the vice president’s visit will likely keep the rebuilding efforts in the spotlight.

“I know in my heart of hearts, based on that witness of faith and generous outpouring of people across this state and across this nation with great leadership at the state and federal level and great leadership from the churches here, the best days for these three churches, for faith in Louisiana and faith in America, are yet to come,” said Pence.

KATC’s Chris Welty was live at the airport when Vice President Pence arrived via Air Force One. Watch the video below.

Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Louisiana to meet leaders and members of churches burned in St. Landry Parish. https://katc.com/news/around-acadiana/st-landry-parish/2019/05/03/vp-pence-to-meet-with-leaders-of-burned-churches-friday/

Posted by KATC-TV 3: Acadiana's Newschannel on Friday, May 3, 2019