My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing to you with great sadness. As all of you know, yesterday Dr. George Tiller was assassinated in the narthex of Reformation Lutheran Church. I feel the need to write to you to explain how we as Christians and as Episcopalians are called to respond.
The greatest gift of the Episcopal Church is our ability to disagree, to think and to dialogue within the context of our faith. We are a church where you can bring your questions, your doubts, your disagreements and know that you are loved by God. I know that members of this church have many differing views on the issue of abortion. No matter what your perspective, this issue can never be resolved by violence.
When we disagree, it is an opportunity that God gives us to deepen our understanding and reach one another. Relationship is nothing without dischord, it is what makes us stronger. Resorting to violence is an act of despair. It tears at the fabric of our community. The only way to respond to such violence is to double our efforts to communicate with one another, to reach out in love and respect, to pray for one another.
Please join me in praying for Dr. Tiller’s family and loved ones, for Reformation Church and for the man who chose to murder Dr. Tiller. I will be in the sanctuary here at St. James at 7:30 pm this Wednesday night. If you wish to join me, we can say Evening Prayer and pray for this community and this city.
The Episcopal Clergy of this Convocation, along with Bishop Wolfe, have drafted a statement which should reach the paper tomorrow.
God bless you all.
In Christ’s love,
Kate+
