June 16, 2022
Tonight, what felt impossible became a reality.
An individual attending a potluck supper at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, began shooting at a group of people gathered for the event. We do not know and will never understand why this person chose this path.
We are grieving across the diocese and the State of Alabama.
We know that we are not alone. This evening, we gathered as a community to pray. We have received calls and emails from across the country and around the world, and we are grateful for your love.
We will continue to pray. Tomorrow, Friday, June 17 at 10 AM, we will gather at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, Alabama, to pray for God’s guidance as we seek healing, justice, and an end to senseless violence in our communities and nation. [Ed.’s Note: The video of the vigil is shown below and is available on YouTube.]
The Rt. Reverend Glenda Curry
Bishop of Alabama
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.
