Faith leaders respond to Grand Blanc tragedy: ‘It hurts’
A violent attack rocked a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan on Sunday, after a gunman drove a vehicle into the building, opened fire, and set it ablaze, leaving four congregants dead and eight others injured.
In the aftermath, faith leaders and groups both within and outside the LDS Church have spoken out — offering solace, calls for healing, and reflections on what the tragedy means for communities of faith.
Bishop Jeffrey Schaub, Grand Blanc LDS Ward
“It is the most significant time in my life where I have felt the love and prayer of other people… Members of the ward … are quite shaken in spirit and in body. It hurts.”
President Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve LDS Apostles
“The awful tragedy that took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan … reminds us of our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ. … We mourn with our members who have lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies.”
LDS statement
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
Catholic Bishop Earl Boyea (whose diocesan territory includes Grand Blanc)
“Any place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace. The violation of such a haven, especially upon a Sunday morning, makes yesterday’s act of mass violence even more shocking.”
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
“We stand in solidarity with Grand Blanc’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and with the entire Grand Blanc and LDS community.”
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the attack that occurred this past Sunday at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Such acts of violence are contrary to the teachings of Islam, which promotes peace and respect for all faiths.”
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