UCC GMP issues statement following mass shootings of this past weekend

UCC General Minister and President/CEO the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson has released a statement in the wake of several mass shootings that occurred this past weekend. In Providence, Rhode Island, a shooting at Brown University claimed the lives of two students, and a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration left 15 dead at Bondi Beach, Australia. You can read her full statement below.

Once again gun violence has been the cause of tragedy and death in communities in the United States and in Australia. Shootings over the weekend at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia left 2 dead at Brown and 15 dead at Bondi Beach.

These acts of violence shattered the security of a college community at Brown University and violated the sanctity of religious celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. We hold in prayer the loved ones of those who were murdered and the many injured, as well as the communities which are left reeling in the wake of violence. 

We join our siblings in the Uniting Church in Australia to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, who had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, and to condemn this antisemitic violence. Such brutal acts of cowardice are driven by hate, fear, and misunderstanding which are cynically exploited by purveyors of hate and division and to be denounced. 

We call again on our elected leaders to address the pervasiveness of gun violence in the United States, an ever-growing threat which plagues our communities. 

The light and love of this holy holiday season call us to reject violent rhetoric and action and to recommit to the path of peace, where hope and joy are experienced and love is shared by all.

God of life, you did not create people for evil; yet evil finds its way into our communities, homes, and hearts. What can we do? We turn to you. Pour out your Spirit among us anew. Heal the hate and the divisiveness which is a poison. Fill us with compassion which motivates action, honoring the life and dignity of each one. Comfort all who mourn, heal the injured, and bring peace to those in trauma. Lead us in your holy way.

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