Bishop Statement in Response to the Shooting in Butler

Dear Synod,

This evening former President Trump was injured by a gunshot while speaking at a rally at the Farm Show grounds in Butler. While his wound seems to be minor, at least two other persons present were critically injured, and one was killed. The shooter is also dead. Please join me in praying for those who have died and for their families, and for swift healing for those who have been injured.

I spoke this evening with our pastors serving in Butler, Pastor Kimberly van Driel and Pastor Joel Benson. Although the Butler community is most closely affected, we affirmed that this violent incident deeply wounds each of us, causing fear, worry, grief, and anger. We are all hurt when anyone hurts another. And we may also all find healing and hope when each of us responds to violence with a commitment to peace.

In times of distress we turn to our Savior, the Prince of Peace, for comfort and hope. Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done." When we pray this prayer we are not only asking for God to act for the good of all people, we are also declaring our confidence in the coming reign of God, which is a community of peace: "They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord." (Isaiah 11:9) When we pray the Lord's Prayer this Sunday and in the weeks to come, let us not only pray for peace in our communities, but also work together for peace across our nation. We do this when we reject violence as a way to resolve our differences, and we do this when we take the time truly to listen to our neighbors.

This Sunday, let us pledge to be people of peace as we pray together: "O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen." (ELW, p. 76, edited)

With you in Christ,

Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow