[Washington National Cathedral] The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope, vicar of the Washington National Cathedral released the following statement Dec. 8 expressing her sympathy, on behalf of the Cathedral community, to those lost in today’s shooting at Virginia Tech.

“The National Cathedral holds Virginia Tech and all the people of Blacksburg in its prayers today,” said the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope, vicar.  “This sad reminder of the campus shooting in 2007 could never come at a good time, but we know that the shock and disruption must be especially great in this busy and sacred season.  As students and teachers prepare for final exams across the country, and as we all prepare for the holidays, may we pause in prayer and sympathy for the victims and their families, in thanksgiving for law enforcement, and in our commitment to ending violence.”