The week before Holy Week, I sent a message to the parents of the 180 children that attend our parish preschool. In it, I told them I never imagined I would need to send an email like this. But, a few days after the shooting that occurred at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, I felt compelled to reach out to them and let them know that our parish and school will soon reexamine all of our security protocols. Among other things, I told them I am heartbroken at this senseless loss of life and beyond frustrated that this type of violence continues to occur. Unfortunately, I continued, this is the sad reality of our time.
“This is the sad reality of our time.” Wow. Did I really write that? Indeed, I did, because it is true. And my concern is growing. Not just for my parish, but for all those who worship, study, serve and pray in religious spaces.
As the pastor of a Lutheran church and school, my focus every day is on the parishioners, students and parents who are part of our parish community. These are the families for whom I pray daily and whose spiritual lives have been entrusted to my care. In no uncertain terms, I am a Lutheran cleric who is steadfast in my faith, committed to the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Lutheran Confessions.
But today, alongside my concern for those directly in my care, I add my most earnest prayers for my Catholic brothers and sisters across our country.
See the full article by Rev. Graham B. Glover, April 29, 2023