Michigan Episcopalians join in Prayer, Advocate with End Gun Violence MI
Michigan’s second major school shooting in less than two years took place Monday night at Michigan State University when a man opened fire on campus, killing three students, severely injuring five more, and subjecting thousands of students, staff, and community members to fear-filled lock-down during the hours-long manhunt. Several students on campus later revealed having been present during the previous shootings in Oxford, Michigan, and Newtown, Connecticut.
The Diocese of Michigan, where MSU is located, posted the text of Psalm 51:11-13 to their Facebook Page on Wednesday night saying, “Tonight we pray… and tomorrow we create change!”
With End Gun Violence Michigan (EGVM), a coalition that includes the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan, they invited all to a Tuesday evening Zoom call and to an all-day advocacy day at the Michigan State Capitol on Wednesday, March 22nd. EGVM has been working with faith leaders, families, and more toward common-sense, highly-supported gun restrictions in Michigan.
While the campus shut down for the week, on Wednesday, Canterbury MSU — the Episcopal/Lutheran campus ministry — opened for drop-in prayer, support, and snacks. The priest of All Saints, East Lansing, the Rev. Kit Carlson, also offered pastoral care, offering drop-in hours at a local restaurant and at the church. On Wednesday evening, Episcopalians from across the state and beyond gathered at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Detroit and on live stream for a prayer vigil for Michigan State. Bishop Singh was in attendance. Click here to watch the live stream, including a sermon from Bishop Perry.
The Episcopal Church has been a consistent voice against gun violence and for common-sense gun laws for decades.
- Click here for an archive of General Convention actions around gun control
- Click here to learn more about Bishops/Episcopalians United Against Gun Violence, a church-wide advocacy organization
- Click here to learn more about federal advocacy from the Episcopal Public Policy Network
- Click here to learn more about End Gun Violence Michigan and to get involved in achieving urgent change in Michigan