Oregon diocese calls for prayers, transformation following shootingPosted Oct 2, 2015 |
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[Diocese of Oregon] Bishop Michael Hanley of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon has extended prayers for the victims, their families, and all the students and faculty of Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, after a gunman opened fire at the school Oct. 1, reportedly killing nine people and injuring seven.
“Gun violence has intruded into too many places where people have always felt safe. As people of God we struggle with how to respond,” said Hanley in a statement posted on the diocesan website. “We call for more vigilance, fewer guns, tighter controls, and all the other responses our hearts and our faith call us to. But, in the end, we find ourselves again faced with the blood of innocents. We know this will never end until our faith in the risen Christ has overthrown the voices of violence and fear that seemingly compel us to stock our lives with firearms.
Hanley called for the response to be one that’s grounded in “the transformative power of love” and asked for a commitment “to ending all of these expressions of hatred and self-loathing. To the people of Roseburg, Umpqua Community College, and the community as a whole: Know that we are with you in your sorrow, loss and fear and offer healing prayers for your tomorrow.”
St. George’s Episcopal Church in Roseburg has opened its doors as a place of prayer and healing for all the community.
Visit the Diocese of Oregon’s website for related counselling and worship resources.
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