Adapted from Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is offering prayers throughout the day in response to the shootings reported at the Washington Navy Yard this morning. The Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean of the Cathedral, has released the following statement:
All of us at Washington National Cathedral heard the news of this morning’s shootings at the Washington Navy Yard with a mixture of shock and sadness. We mourn for those who have died, and we continue to grieve the persistence of gun violence in our nation. The Cathedral will hold the victims, first responders, and the Navy community in prayer, while also making the Cathedral’s space and its ministries available today to all who seek consolation and refuge from this loss.
The noonday service of Holy Eucharist, as well as the Choral Evensong service at 5:30 p.m. Monday, are open to all. Cathedral clergy intend to offer special prayers for the victims and first responders in both services.
From the Diocese of Virginia
As a shooting unfolds this morning at the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia joins in prayer for the victims.
Please check back on this page for continued updates and resources.
- Live updates from the Washington Post
- Tragedy: Prayers, Guidelines & Resources from EpiscoYouth
- Working with Children After a Disaster, from Episcopal Relief & Development
- U.S. Disaster Program Resource Library from Episcopal Relief & Development
A Prayer for the Human Family
Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image by User:ktr101 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
