[Trinity Wall Street] On Friday, Dec. 21 at 9:30 a.m., our nation will unite in a moment of silence to mourn the 20 children and six adult victims killed last week at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  In addition, houses of worship will toll their bells.  Trinity Wall Street in lower Manhattan will observe this heartbreaking ritual by ringing a single bell from its set of 12 change bells at historic Trinity Church (Broadway at Wall Street) 28 times, once for every person who lost his or her life in Newtown during the violence of last week.

The somber sound of the tolls will reverberate through New York’s Canyon of Heroes, a fitting tribute to the educators who gave their lives protecting the innocent and to their young charges whose lost lives must not be in vain.

“The loss of a single child to violence is intolerable; the loss of 20 at one time is unbearable. We affirm the courageous actions of religious, civic, and business leaders locally, statewide, and nationally who have taken a stance on tighter gun control laws, and we add our voices to the growing chorus of people from all walks of life, all religions, all ages, all political backgrounds. The production and ownership of guns designed for rapid killing and mass murder has no place in our ethic of love of neighbor,” said the Rev. James H. Cooper, rector of Trinity Wall Street.

In posting the following message on Trinity Wall Street’s website, Cooper has called for remembrance and change:

“As people of faith, we remember and honor those in the school community who lost their lives; the everlasting innocence of the children and the dedication of their teachers and school administrators.

“As people of faith, we include the gunman and his mother because they were children of God, and loved by God.

“As people of faith, we join in the call to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and to tighten rules for sales at gun shows.

“As people of faith, we will actively address our nation’s attitudes toward and standards of care for the mentally ill.

“As people of faith, we will find graceful ways to enter into advocacy conversations with friends, family, and our civic leaders. Harsh tones and aggressive stances typically make viewpoints more entrenched; gently engaging conversations positively influence and shape thinking on sensitive issues.

“As people of faith, we affirm the courageous actions of religious, civic, and business leaders locally, statewide, and nationally who have taken a stance on tighter gun control laws, and we add our voices to the growing chorus of people from all walks of life, all religions, all ages, all political backgrounds. The production and ownership of guns designed for rapid killing and mass murder has no place in our ethic of love of neighbor.

“As people of faith, we share in the deep sorrow of Newtown’s community; we stand with Newtown and hold its people in our prayers now and in months and years to come.”