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25 May 2022
Dear Members of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania,
Yesterday afternoon, as the clergy of the diocese and I gathered in prayer, study, and fellowship at our Clergy Conference in Lancaster, we learned of the shooting in Uvalde, Texas that claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 adult victims- and the life of the shooter. We offer this letter in prayer for the repose of the souls of those who have died, with tender love for the families who suffer this tragic loss, in grief for the despair of the one driven to unleash such horror, and with compassion for all in the community of Uvalde and across our country who are changed forever by this violent act.
The temptation is to write a letter that will bind the immediate wounds of those of us who reel in this moment, stunned by the unthinkable idea of murdering children and innocent adults; and to bid prayers for peace. But to do only that is a short-sighted response, and one that we have made before, and again: Buffalo, Parkland, Squirrel Hill, Las Vegas, Orlando, Charleston, Sandy Hook, to name a few.
As your bishop and clergy, we recognize a fissure and dis-ease in our American community that demands a deeper response: a response that calls for an accountability to each other for change. The life that God gives us is sacred and we must work together to honor its gift. We call for a collective commitment to support youth who are isolated and struggle, and to equip them and their families with resources to navigate the stress and untenable burdens of life. We pray for the transformation of our communities, recognizing the courage and vulnerability needed to name our weaknesses, and to build towards a healthier future. We need more stringent gun laws to keep our children safe and laws to ensure that gun owners act responsibly. We must raise our voices to influence our leaders and legislators to end the epidemic of gun violence. We do this work of creating a safer community, together, because Uvalde, Buffalo, Parkland, Squirrel Hill, Las Vegas, Orlando, Charleston, and Sandy Hook belong to us, and we, to them. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Please pray for strength, for courage, for action, and for the consolation of our faith knowing that
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And will save those whose spirits are crushed.
(Psalm 34:18)
In the Way of Love,
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