A word about active shooters and guns on campuses
As most of us know by now, two days in a row, two different students brought a loaded weapon onto campus at Redondo Union High School. We did not send out a notice to ask people to pray, as we wanted to respect the needs of the students and parents in the wake of such trauma. However, clergy have been praying regularly for all involved. The following two petitions are from the liturgical sources from Bishops Against Gun Violence, a coalition of bishops in the Episcopal Church. We found these to be the words that spoke to the fear that was on campus, and the great relief that no one was hurt.
For the perpetrators of gun violence, because these are our kids. They are neighborhood kids who go to our schools, play with our kids, etc. May they find other ways to express their voice, feel safe, and use their power for good. We pray for those who see no other way than violence. We pray for those who suffer from mental illness, social isolation, loneliness, and debilitating fear. Grant that we may reach out in love and transform ferocity into friendship and fear into faith. And so we pray, God of sacred stories, heal us and make us whole.
For those who feel helpless in the face of Gun Violence. We pray for those who feel helpless, dejected, or powerless in the face of the gun violence epidemic. We know that gun violence touches all cultures, classes, genders, races, tribes, and nations. We pray that we may not be overwhelmed by gun violence but that we may overwhelm the world with the power of love. And so we pray, God of sacred stories, heal us and make us whole.
Pray for the students, teachers, administrators, parents, and local emergency response teams. That they may know God's peace in the days ahead, as they return to the campus. May they find ways to care for one another, hear one another, and support one another.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Rachel
Rev. Stephen
Rev. Josh
Rev. Patti
