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Prayer Service Held In Boston For Victims Of Charleston Shooting

BOSTON (CBS) - Hundreds of people packed the Charles Street A.M.E. Church in Roxbury for an interfaith prayer service on Sunday night.

Those in the pews represented different races, backgrounds and religions.

"When we pray with one voice we believe our prayers will be answers, prayers that the triple evils-hatred, violence and racism will be eradicated," said Reverend Gregory Groover.

Rev. Groover knew some of the Charleston shooting victims, as did some members of his congregation.

Earleen Rowell, who's from South Carolina, said the service sends a message to those in Charleston. "We really, really care and they won't be forgotten," said Rowell.

Rev. Groover said the church that was at the center of the anti-slavery movement again represents the push to join as one.

The sanctuary and two overflow rooms were filled. Cardinal O'Malley and other religious leaders offered prayers. Those who attended offered these thoughts:

"To show them we are not going to stand for anything like what happened in South Carolina. We love them. We care for them," said Yusufi Vali.

"For everyone to come together and speak the way they have it really was quite moving," said Pavlik Mintz.

"We really wanted to come as family and show our 7-year old everyone is equal," said Linda Wertheimer Mintz.

It was therapeutic for the churches members.

"People realize and understand that we are all together in this," said Rubyline Williams.

Many said they left with a renewed optimism about a better tomorrow.

"Just love each other, forget the racism and foolish gestures," said Williams.

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