The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, writes to clergy of the diocese about the church’s response to the murder of two television journalists Wednesday morning:
Our church, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, is the staging area for emergency personnel, police, fire, and EMS. The congregation is providing hospitality to the service men and women working this developing crisis.
I have been in conversation with the Rev. Philip Bouknight, the Pastor, about how the diocese and I can help. He and I will continue to monitor the developing situation throughout the day. I am alerting our new Diocesan Pastoral Response Team so that we can be ready to assist Philip and the people of Trinity, Moneta, with any pastoral support they might need.
I would ask for you to pray for Philip, for Trinity, for the Moneta community, and the families of all those impacted by this violence, and to be open and prepared to provide some pastoral care and/or assistance if I need to call on you.
Biretta tip: Cara Modisett of Episcopal Café
