Response to the Shooting in Charleston

Our hearts are broken.
We are deeply grieved by the horrific shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and offer our deepest sympathy and most heartfelt prayers. We stand with the people of Charleston. We ache with them, we mourn with them, we pray with them. And while we are angry and shocked and grief-stricken, we remember that we belong to a God who would never return violence for violence. In the face of this violence, we are called to greater love. In the face of this violence we are called to greater forgiveness. And in the face of this violence we are called to greater action. We cannot simply wish for peace or even only pray for it. Each of us has something unique to offer in bringing God’s peace to the world, and this is surely a call to offer ourselves to that call. May God grant us the grace to do so.

The Rev. Karen Haig, Associate Rector 
St Thomas Episcopal Church, Medina