Last week's mass murder of nine church-goers at the historically African-American Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, has put both race relations and faith under a spotlight. But it also has ignited and unified much of the body of Christ in mourning and solidarity, as evidenced by a statement issued by CBA President Curtis Riskey.

"We weep with our brothers and sisters in Charleston, South Carolina, as they journey through this tragedy," said Riskey, head of the Christian retail association. "As Christians, we are one race with one Father made up of different people groups, cultures and ethnicities—and we celebrate this diversity.

"When our body of faith is injured, we all mourn together," he continued. "Our prayers are with the congregation at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church."