Diane M. Jardine Bruce, Bishop Provisional of West Missouri, writes to her diocese:
Today a great tragedy struck at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally.
While we don’t know the full details, we do know that one person has died, 10-15 are injured, and some of the victims were taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital.
In the wake of these tragedies, we know one thing for certain — we need to come together to pray.
We need to pray for the victims. Pray for the perpetrators of these heinous acts of violence. Pray for those families who are still trying to unite with loved ones they were separated from. Pray for the First Responders. And pray for their families and friends.
I call upon the members of The Diocese of West Missouri to pray tonight, and in the days to come, as more details of this tragedy unfolds. There are two prayer vigils currently planned:
• Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, at 6 p.m.
• St. Paul’s, Kansas City, at 7:30 p.m.
Almighty and merciful God, whose only Son came to preach peace to the nations: Hear us, we beseech You, and comfort us with Your steady Hand, as we come before You this evening in the wake of unspeakable violence. In a world that seems hopeless, help us to remember that our hope rests always in You, and in the resurrection of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Anna-Kate Howell)
Douglas LeBlanc is the Associate Editor for Book Reviews and writes about Christianity and culture. He and his wife, Monica, attend St. John’s Parish Church on Johns Island, South Carolina.
