Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA), ELCA

Today we remember those who have died by gun violence, those who have survived gun violence, those who mourn deaths of family and friends by gun violence.... Aching with sorrow we grieve this pain and death that surrounds and fills us. Today we remember mass killings in places of prayer and ordinary life, in churches and grocery stores especially this week in Buffalo and Laguna Beach. Rejecting the viciousness we give ourselves to one another in love and care. Today we remember deaths and fears of death rampant in schools, homes, and workplaces. Listening at last we rise up to face the horror; we confess ourselves complicit. Let us pray together. Forgive, O God, our wrongful action and our inaction. Forgive our silence and indifference. Lead us in love, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. May God who is our hope inscribe our hearts with justice and guide us in the ways of peace. Amen Adapted from "Gun Violence Litany" by Rev. Joanne Engquist. Download

"As we mourn those lives lost as a result of the racially motivated killings in Buffalo, we ask God to ease the continued suffering and trauma of our Black siblings throughout the nation and in our church."