The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington) writes following the shootings at the Seattle area high school:
Dear Ones,
Yesterday, once again, one of the major issues of our time came not close to home, it came home. As I have said following Sandy Hook, Seattle Pacific, and the other shootings we have endured, I so pray we do not get used to this. The list is getting longer. I fear we are reaching that point. Yes, there are many angles on this issue, but this one cannot be avoided: Guns in our society, the ease of access, and especially in the hands of our children, are a serious issue for us as a country.
I want to first commend St. Philip’s, Marysville, their Rector, Terry Kyllo, and the congregation there, for moving quickly to offer a candlelight prayer vigil to the community at St. Philip’s. I want to thank the Rev. Vicki Wesen and the Rev. Curt Zimmerman who were present to lead them in that vigil last night. I understand the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, Rector of Trinity Everett was also present.
At this point, we do not know all the ways we could be asked, or even should be involved and respond. I vow that we will get that to you as soon as we can. For now, I ask your prayers for all the victims, for those who now grieve the loss of loved ones, for those who now hold vigil for the injured. Let us join that vigil in prayer. I have already received notes of condolences and promises of prayer from all over our Episcopal Church and this country.
He also offers resources from Episcopal Relief and Development and others for those ministering in the midst of tragedy.