The Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist joins with countless others across the nation in lamenting the needless violence perpetuated at a political rally for former President Donald Trump. Individuals attending the rally in Butler, PA were critically injured, with the death of one who gave his life protecting his wife and daughter. Our prayers go out to the family of Corey Comperatore and the members of Cabot Church (formerly Cabot UMC), where he was a member.
We pray not only for the family and friends of the victims, but also for peace and reconciliation in our nation.
In a statement responding to this tragedy, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi shares in the grief felt deeply by the Western Pennsylvania community and calls for prayer for all affected:
Grace and peace to you, even in times like these,
Our hearts are grieving and broken due to the tragic events surrounding the attempted assassination of former president and presumptive Republican Presidential nominee, Donald Trump. I implore all to pray for the family and loved ones of the man who was killed and those who suffered critical physical injury. I also implore us to pray for those who undoubtedly suffered emotional injury due to the trauma of all that they saw and heard.
Whether a child attending school, a grandmother buying groceries, or a politician attending a political rally, all deserve to go about their daily lives in safety. Our civil society and democracy depend on it.
I praise God for the members of the Secret Service, police departments, and other law enforcement who have dedicated their lives to this ideal. I praise God that the prompt response of many prevented further harm to former President Trump and other bystanders. I also pray for the day that the jobs of those who protect and defend us will not be so challenging. I invite you to join me in that prayer.
Since the communities of Butler and Bethel Park are both communities that feel like family, this has been especially tragic for them. Please pray these events will bring these communities closer together as they comfort one another and as the FBI and others try to determine why this happened. Finally, please ask God to help the friends and loved ones of the perpetrator of this unthinkable act to feel God’s overwhelming, loving, gracious presence.
With God’s love,
Bishop Cynthia
Reverend Deborah Ackley-Killian is the superintendent of the Butler District, which encompasses the Butler, PA community. She offered this blessing in response:
May God who creates us shelter us tenderly in the midst of our overwhelming fears. May God bring us out of darkness and lead us into the light that we might discover the new creations to which we have been called.
May God the Son who redeems us and suffered violence and death restore our grieving and despairing hearts. May He heal our broken bodies and spirits and lead us along paths of peace that we will turn guns into plowshares.
May God the Spirit who comforts us wipe away our tears and strengthen us to go forth in steadfast faithfulness. May the Spirit be our guardian as we seek to live in harmony with one another for it is good and pleasant for kindred to do so. May the Spirit be our guide as we desire to live together in mutual respect for one another as citizens of this nation and the kingdom of God. Amen
Council of Bishops
Bishops condemn political violence
WASHINGTON — After the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, the United Methodist Council of Bishops released a statement condemning political violence and calling for United Methodists to work toward reconciliation. “May God grant us grace to be God’s agents as healers, peacemakers and bridge builders in a troubled and hurting world,” wrote Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone.