Our hearts ache as we hear of yet another act of violence exacerbated by guns. The senseless assault in Las Vegas – which is being described as one of the deadliest in our nation’s history – took scores of lives, injured hundreds and terrified thousands on Sunday.
We lift up in prayer those killed and wounded, their families and loved ones, and the first responders and others who put their lives on the line to protect and save innocent victims. We thank God for the skilled hands of the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who continue to work to heal devastating wounds, as well as all of the volunteers lining up for hours to donate life-saving blood.
Bishop Holston
But, as United Methodist Christians committed to social justice and opposed to gun violence, we also must address this continuing, disturbing succession of ever-worsening gun violence.
I encourage you to take to heart the words of Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata, resident bishop of the Desert Southwest Conference, which includes Las Vegas. His counsel during this difficult time points us toward ways we can lead in peacemaking and work to stop gun violence in our society.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
South Carolina Conference
The United Methodist Church
Click here
to read
Bishop
Hoshibata’s
statement.
