Contact: Brianna Smallwood, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 908-420-3745

SOMERSET, N.J., June 18, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Earlier today, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey, took immediate action to support the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) Community in the wake of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina and the tragic loss of Pastor Clementa Pinckney and several members of the church body.

Dr. Soaries extended support and encouragement to the AME Church Community while in conversation with AME leaders Bishop John Bryant, Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District of the AME Church, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, 117th elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, and Bishop Reginald Jackson, 132nd elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church.

"This shooting has a chilling effect on the Black Church community," stated Dr. Soaries. "We are conducting a review of FBCLG safety strategies to insure that our congregation is not the victim of a copycat situation. This also speaks to a deeper issue. How does a 21-year old learn to hate to this degree? While we hold the shooter responsible, we must also examine those who profit from the promotion of racist rants and hateful words. They in essence, incite this type of violence. This young man is the trigger of a larger gun."

Today at noon EST, Dr. Soaries hosted a prayer call with over 700 attendees including New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno, Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano, and Franklin Township Chief of Police Lawrence Roberts. During the call, Dr. Soaries, Lt. Governor Guadagno, Sheriff Provenzano, and Chief Roberts discussed the need for vigilance and the importance of ongoing positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. Dr. Soaries concluded the call with a heartfelt prayer for those affected by this tragic event, for the safety and security of churches all over the nation, and for the future direction of this country. To listen to a replay of the call, dial 712-775-7039, access code 244545#.

About First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG)
Founded in 1937, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens is a vibrant community-focused, multi-cultural and historical African-American church located in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, NJ. The church's motto is "Faith in Action." FBCLG bears witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ for spiritual, educational, economic and community transformation. For more information, visit www.fbcsomerset.com.