The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team gathers this week in Jacksonville, Fla., to consider adding a group of new members. The so-called “Discernment Weekend” is an opportunity for those interested in serving communities impacted by disaster to determine if they are physically, emotionally and spiritually committed to the work.
Today is a day of wailing and lamentation in our land. From coast to coast, Presbyterians weep with parents and grandparents, siblings and relatives, teachers and school workers, friends and neighbors. We cry out with mall workers and shoppers, security guards and crossing guards. There is no consolation for this tragic loss of life. There are no words.
The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), a partner of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), experienced a tragedy last week when members of a women’s group were involved in a fatal bus accident.
We are deeply saddened and grieved by news today of the massacre at a movie theater premiere in Aurora, Colorado, a tragedy that has violently and senselessly taken the lives of many and injured countless other moviegoers. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those whose lives were ended in this horrifying act.