The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee stands in solidarity with those most directly affected by the deadly shooting that took place at Covenant School earlier today. The deaths of students and staff, including children, are a source of particular grief. In the city of Nashville, members of the school community are our friends, members of our families, and our fellow parishioners. We mourn along with them.
An event like this is a crisis and a source of trauma. There is much still unknown concerning the circumstances. We know from the experience of others that the effects of this terrible tragedy are incalculable and will be revealed only over time. In light of this, we ask the members of the Diocese for their continuing prayers for the city of Nashville in the days ahead.
A school shooting, and gun violence itself, is a scourge that destroys not only lives, but the fabric of our society itself. Public safety and peace in our neighborhoods are goods of our common life that we value and expect as citizens. As Christians, we pray for God’s mercy upon our community in this time of personal and corporate grief.