Editor, Gazette-Journal:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” 

             (Psalm 34:18)

This is our prayer and God’s promise to us in a time of horror and grief, as we lament the tragic loss of life in the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, June 12. As religious leaders of the Mathews community, we pray for the victims and their families. As those who bear the name of Christ, we renounce all forms of violence in any place against anyone. We condemn and resist responding to such evil with more hate, but instead we re-commit to work for good, peace, love and justice in the world. May our respective communities of faith be havens of comfort and hope. May we all be witnesses of God’s light and love.

The Rev. Gary Barker

Kingston Episcopal Parish, Mathews

Pastors Patrick and Carmaleta Billups

Relevant Church

Rev. Dr. MarQuita Carmichael Burton, Mini...