The Episcopal Bishop of Colorado, Bishop Kym (a Black woman, married and mother of four), sent the following message yesterday. She references the hate killings at Club Q in Colorado Springs, home to inclusive churches : Dear Beloved in Christ ... 1/

We know that there are those who define and fortify their identity by whom they hate. We also know that many of those same people call themselves Christians. The Episcopal Church in Colorado contends that our identity is defined not by whom we hate but by whom we follow. 2/

Jesus did not teach violence or hatred; he taught us to love. At our baptism, we promise to live that love by seeking and serving Christ in ALL persons, by striving for justice and peace, and by respecting the dignity of EVERY human being. 3/

The love of Christ extends to everyone, including our LGBTQIA+ siblings and we in the Episcopal Church affirm that truth. 4/

Bishop Kym then closes: "The recent shooting at Club Q is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as we hold them in our prayers. We also pray for the shooter and his family, and we pray most fervently for an end to gun violence." 5/

and, finally, this spectacular kyrie eleison: God of Justice, help us, your church, find our voice. Turn us from the worship of power. Give us the courage to confront our false gods and to protest the needless deaths caused by gun violence. 6/

Help us rise above our dread that nothing can be done and grant us the conviction to advocate for change. For your dream of a world where all God's children are safe, and all of us live together without fear, Loving God, Make us instruments of your peace. fin/