“Pray for the Tree of Life synagogue,” asks Bishop Michael Curry

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has issued the following statement:
 
Dear Friends, 
 
I’m here in Des Moines, Iowa at the convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. It’s Saturday, and several hours ago you learned, as did we all, that a gunman entered Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. A number of people have been killed and wounded. Our Jewish neighbors, our brothers and sisters, are fearful and we must stand with them and provide comfort and support for them and for all. It is reported that the gunman not only ranted anti-Semitic sayings, he has also ranted and spoken against immigrants and refugees and other peoples.
 
We must pray, we must pray for him, we must pray for the spirit of our nation, that a spirit of love and compassion and goodness and decency would pervade, and that spirits of hatred and bigotry would be cast away. But, above all, at this time, pray for those who have died and for their families and their loved ones. Pray for those who are wounded. Pray for the first responders, pray for our brothers and sisters in the Jewish community. Pray for the Tree of Life synagogue. Pray for the City of Pittsburgh. Pray for America. Pray for us all.
 
And then, go out and do something. Do something that helps to end the long night and helps to bring in the daylight. Visit a neighbor. Remind our Jewish brothers and sisters that they do not stand alone. Care for someone. Love. Stand for what is right and good. Then pray. And then act. 
 
And pray: 
 
Our Father, who art in heaven,
            hallowed be thy Name,
            thy kingdom come,
            thy will be done,
            on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses,
            as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
            but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
            for ever and ever. Amen.
 
God love you. God bless you. And may God hold us all in those almighty hands of love.
 
The Most Rev. Michael Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church