Right to Safety: Bishop’s Statement on Orlando Shooting
Once again senseless gun violence has claimed the lives of innocent people and tragically affected the lives of countless more. My heart breaks for the victims of this horrifying act of violence. When the victims are part of a community that has been historically oppressed, this kind of violence can send shock waves through the LGBTQI community, not just in Orlando but everywhere, including in our diocese.
We must all stand in solidarity with, and openly affirm, the right to safety for all gay, lesbian, transgender, queer and inquiring people. These are our brothers, sisters, children, parents, friends and loved ones. Let us speak as one voice acknowledging the deep pain of the entire grieving LGBTQI community and say we are with you and we are praying for you. At the same time, we must pray for the perpetrator and his family, and that this horrific incident not be used as justification for religious or racial hatred. May the God whose peace passes all understanding hold us now.
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop
by
Category: #Advocacy, #Bishop's Blog
Recent Stories
I have always known myself to be an encourager, helping people recognize the hope and love of God in their lives, as He had shown me. During seminary and later in a hospital residency Clinical Pastoral Education clarified that call for me. I discovered I was at ease talking to new people, offering prayer and […]
On Sunday, September 18, 2022, 52 young people from 7 congregations gathered for an afternoon of fun and games celebrating the kick-off of the youth ministry program year. The article below was written by Nicholas Alcorn, a member of the EDSD Youth Leadership Council and of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.The Youth Group Games was a […]
As the autumn season begins, many church—and personal—schedules begin to fill up. Days grow shorter and the list of to-do’s only increase as we inch towards forthcoming holidays. Costumes to be made, goodies to bake, presents to be purchased and so on. Considering the busy-ness of the next few months as we approach Advent, here […]
