Youth and church leaders attending the UCC's National Youth Event 2008 paused July 27 to lift up prayers for victims of shootings at a Unitarian church in Knoxville, Tenn.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the seven people wounded, their family, friends and church community," said Edith A Guffey, UCC associate general minister.

According to reports, an armed man opened fire during the performance of a children's theatrical production, critically wounding seven people. Deputy Police Chief Bill Roehl said a suspect was taken into custody at the church, and is being questioned.

The UCC's National Youth Event ends tomorrow morning in Knoxville. No one from NYE  was at the church where the shootings took place.