 Dear Friends in Christ,The hearts of all, including the people of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes, go out to the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Grand Blanc, Michigan. Just as so many of us were doing this morning, they were worshiping God in a place they love with people they love. Although acts of violence at churches, synagogues and mosques are not new, this one is close to home; it’s within the bounds of the diocese and St. Christopher’s is located nearby. Within the current climate of the news and our country, it’s especially unsettling and even overwhelming. We are called to pray for our Mormon siblings in Grand Blanc, that they may know the peace that passes understanding. We are called to pray for the people of St. Christopher’s and their rector, that they might not be afraid, and may continue to live the Gospel with boldness. We’re called to pray that peace may prevail on earth, and then we’re called to enact that peace with our bodies. The same principles that called us yesterday hold true today as we seek to love God and our neighbors, to live in community with one another in teaching and fellowship, and to respect the dignity of every human being. We’re called to search for the image of God in one another, to love our enemies, and to pray. Faithfully,  The Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple  The Rev. Molly Bosscher President, Standing Committee God of all hopefulness, peace, and healing. Look down upon your children who are grieving again in the wake of the unexpected terror of a lethal attack at a place of worship. Be with those who grieve. Be with those who first responded risking their own safety and wellbeing. Be with those attending those wounded in body, mind and spirit. Be with the entire community of Grand Blanc as they come together to offer and receive comfort, strength, and healing. Above all, almighty God, we commend into your arms of mercy all who have died, that they may know the boundless love and peace of eternal life with you. We offer this prayer in the name of the Holy Trinity, one God whose love and compassion is beyond any bounds of our understanding. Amen. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Pastoral letter from the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes concerning the attack at the LDS church in Grand Blanc
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