While giving the eulogy at the funeral of Rev. Clementa Pinckney on Friday, President Obama surprised mourners with a stirring rendition of "Amazing Grace" at the end of his address.
Musicians and attendees at TD Arena joined in the singing, a moving moment during an emotional and fiery speech from the President.
“May God continue to shed His grace on the United States of America." —@POTUS http://t.co/14Z3HnNi8v— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 26, 2015
The singing came in the midst of a passionate, nearly 40-minute long eulogy by Obama that touched on Pinckney's life, work, the Confederate flag, and gun violence. "For too long we were blind to the pain the Confederate flag stirred in too many of our citizens," Obama said. "By taking down that flag, we express God's grace. But I don't think God wants us to stop there."
"Clem understood that justice grows out of recognition of ourselves in each other, that my liberty depends on you being free, too." - @POTUS— Mashable News (@MashableNews) June 26, 2015
"He knew that the path of grace involves an open mind but, more importantly, an open heart. That's what I felt this week." - @POTUS— Mashable News (@MashableNews) June 26, 2015
Of course, Twitter was quick to react to the special moment.
...then there was the time he sang Amazing Grace in a black church the week gay marriage and health care were enshrined as basic rights.— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) June 26, 2015
Reminded of 1960's & importance of Dr.King's words at that time as I listen to President Obama who, btw is now singing "Amazing Grace."— Janet Lomax (@whec_jlomax) June 26, 2015
President Obama slaying Amazing Grace with the organ in the background is the most amazing moment in the history of the USA.— _x_l (@axelandrewsx) June 26, 2015
If you can't drop your distaste for Obama for a minute and marvel at a U.S. President singing "Amazing Grace" I can't even begin to get you.— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) June 26, 2015
When President Obama spoke & sang Amazing Grace at church service in Charlestown he did so for all who suffer rejection, hatred & injustice— Floella Benjamin (@FloellaBenjamin) June 26, 2015