Dear people of EDUSC,

We are all grieving at the terrible news we heard yesterday regarding the act of violence and hate committed in an Orlando night club. We lost 49 LGBTQ brothers and sisters and may lose more. One of those killed was from the Midlands, as was one of those injured. Pray for those who have died, their families, those who are injured and their families, as well as the Orlando community and the Midlands community. Pray for healing, and remember we must respond to hate and violence with love. Pray for the whole world, and pray that God might turn the hearts of those who have committed or would commit such acts of hatred. Pray for a new spirit of resistance against gun violence. Hold the broken hearts of the LGBTQ community in our diocese and in our community in prayer. Each of us is a precious child of God. Pray without ceasing.

Your brother in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Andrew Waldo, Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina