Diocesan News Releases
• Bishop Itty’s Communiqué on the Virginia Tech Tragedy
By
Apr 17, 2007, 11:05

Prayers for Virginia Tech Families and for Our Nation

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During this time of national mourning for the innocent victims of the campus shooting in Virginia, may we reflect upon the words of Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; God shall help her at the break of day,
Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
(Psalm 46:1-6; 11, 12)

As a diocese we join with so many people around our country as we share our sorrow and express our condolences to the families of those who have died on the Virginia Tech University campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.  Government authorities note that 32 persons died and 15 others were injured when a gunman opened fire in various campus classrooms prior to ending his own life.

At this time as our nation grieves, we are also mindful of many other senseless random shootings in the various schools and college campuses throughout our country.  Moments such as these afford us an opportunity to decry the role of violence in our civil society as we are also mindful of the many ways that we are so deeply connected as members of a human family.

At some point during the course of this week, I am asking that all of our churches and institutions share a few moments of prayer and reflection as we pray for the families of those who are grieving at this time, for the members of the university community, and for our nation as we seek consolation and strength from Almighty God.

Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray.  Remember them, Lord, in mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. (BCP. p467)

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Johncy Itty, Bishop