PRAYER ALERT
Office of the Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
For Immediate Release: 08 January 2011
Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches
Calls the Nation to Prayer and Recommitment to Valuing All Life
As many already know, this morning Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and several others were shot. While stories are varying at this point, we know that Rep. Giffords was hosting her first "Congress on Your Corner" event at a local Safeway Store in northwest Tucson, offering constituents a chance to learn more about the workings of Congress.
Details from this horrific incident will not be sorted for some time, but what we can and must focus on as a nation of many creeds, colors, and cultures is the fundamental truth that all of life is scared regardless of political views, social or religious affiliations.
The present turmoil of our nation, as we repeatedly battle over issues of human equality like immigration reform, just and equal wages, and universal health care access --- things Rep. Giffords was known to champion --- must not become for any of us, no matter our ideological positions, justification for violence in any form. Jesus' counsel was clearly and simply, "Love your enemies."
It is with that word in mind, that I call the members and friends of Metropolitan Community Churches and people of good will across this nation to prayer. Join me in praying not only for Rep. Giffords and all who were shot, along with their families and friends, but also for the young man who committed this crime and his family.
To paraphrase one of our great prophets and martyrs, we must learn to live together
in peace, despite our differences, or we will simply be consigned to die together.
Rep. Giffords dedicated her life to the principles of justice and equality for all, things she really believed in. Let us now follow her example and lift up the one thing all of us who call America home say we believe in: the right to life and liberty for all God's children.
Join me in praying:
Source of all life,
We give you thanks this day for the lives of those who
daily use that gift of life in service to others.
We especially remember now all those who lives were taken too soon from us
in today's shooting,
and pray for the miracle of recovery for all those still in surgery or under hospital care.
Be with the families and friends of those targeted,
and the family and friends of the aggressor,
and surround them all in the light of your comforting presence.
Bless the community that must now struggle with the trauma and terror of this day.
And help us all to recommit ourselves to living together in ways
that honor your plan for a diverse creation.
+Amen
Grace and Peace,
+Nancy
The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
