Clergy offer words of comfort following California shootings
Nearly 20 lives taken in 3 mass shootings in 3 days. All in California.
Victims included dancers ringing in the Lunar New Year in Monterey Park, agricultural laborers working in Half Moon Bay, and people recording a music video in Oakland.
The bloodshed has left communities across the state—and the nation—reeling, grieving, and asking “why?”
While the details of each shooting continue to be revealed, we’ve rounded up a few of the prayers and sentiments expressed by local faith leaders of all denominations that may resonate with those seeking answers and comfort. A few were shared at a prayer vigil following the Monterey Park shooting.
Rev. José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles
We pray for the wounded to be healed, and we ask that God give strength and guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for them. We ask that God grant wisdom and prudence to law enforcement and public officials working to make sense of the violence and keep our communities safe. And we pray for peace. Peace in the hearts of those who are troubled. Peace in the hearts of those who are afraid and hurting today, and peace for those whose faith has been shaken.
California-Pacific Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, United Methodist Church
“Today we have a chance to wipe away the tears of our world when we decide to address pain with love; to be present to those suffering; and to mourn and weep and wail in hopes for a better future.”
Pastor Garrett Ho, Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles
“How do we lead our church members through the process of grief and their understanding of what took place? That is a question before us. I think we’re still processing it.”
Rabbi Ralph Resnick, Temple Ami-Shalom & Jewish Center, West Covina
“You must love your neighbor as yourself. You can see every color, every religion, every belief system gathered here together because we’re here together to make sure that this never happens again.”
Pastor John Lo, Epicentre church in Pasadena and Board Vice Chair of the Clergy Community Coalition
“When tragedy happens, the church has to be there. We have to be there to cry with people. We have to be there to lament. We have to be there to … say ‘we’re sorry, things have to be better.’”
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