Responding to Shooting in Sutherland Springs

The Church Council of Greater Seattle expresses its deep sorrow upon hearing of the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. We share our condolences and prayers with the members of the church and the entire community of Sutherland Springs. We especially grieve the violation of the sanctity of a church during its Sunday services. As Jesus wept when those close to him died, so do we at the deaths of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We recommit to act within our power to curtail and ultimately end the violence perpetrated with semi-automatic weapons, which have no place in civil society. The common good is served when the bonds of family, community, and congregation are upheld in a context where services and supports are provided equitably, compassionately, and broadly to all who seek or need them.