Saying A Prayer For The Orlando Victims
Rev. Liz Colton lead nearly a dozen individuals in a time of prayer for the victims in the Orlando terror attack.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Nearly a dozen individuals came to St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ to share a moment of remembrance and prayer for those impacted by the terror attack in Orlando.
The service lasted just over 15 minutes, with the Rev. Liz Colton offering “a special prayer and reflection after the tragedy this Sunday in Orlando, Florida”. The time was planned to coordinate with Florida pastors who were also holding vigils for the 49 killed and over 50 wounded.
Colton said, “We were alarmed by the shooting in Orlando, and as an open and affirming congregation, that welcomes people of all gender identities and sexual orientation, we want to acknowledge the pain of all those who suffer regardless of who they are”.
Omar Mateen, the 29-year-old gunman, used a Sig Sauer MCX rifle to terrorize the patrons of ‘Pulse’, a favorite gay bar in the Orlando area.
When Colton became aware that the national church was calling for a prayer time, she organized the service on short notice. “Hopefully all around the country, congregations were joining in prayer at this time”.
Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement in response to the mass shooting that occurred in Orlando early Sunday morning.
“The sights and sounds that have come out of Orlando over the past day in the aftermath of the terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub have been heart wrenching. My heart aches for the families and loved ones of those who were injured or have died as a result of this senseless attack.
“To the members of the LGBT community, please know that I stand with the rest of our nation in supporting you. For this terrorist to seek out and attack innocent people because of who they love, especially in the middle of LGBT Pride month, is unconscionable. We cannot allow hatred and fear to divide us. We must come together to support all Americans who make our nation as strong as it is. I want to encourage all those who are able to help to seek ways in their own neighborhoods to help, by giving blood or donating their time.
“I also want to commend the actions of the law enforcement officers who responded so bravely to this horrific act. Their courage and skill prevented even more deaths and injuries.
“This attack unfortunately serves as another reminder that we have to act to address the epidemic of violence that has spread across our nation. There are steps we can and must take, including improving our background check system, that do not conflict with our Second Amendment rights, to start addressing this issue. The bottom line for me is that our Iowa communities must continue to be a safe and healthy place to live and raise a family for everyone.”
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released the following statement on the terrorist attack in Orlando, Florida:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific tragedy, and their loved ones who are suffering unimaginable loss. Let us also express our utmost gratitude to our first responders who put their lives on the line to save others.
“This tragedy underscores that we must do more in our fight to defeat terrorism here at home and across the globe. We have already been told that ISIS is present in all 50 states. We simply cannot afford to sit on the sidelines as attacks on Americans, powered by Islamic terrorism, continue to take place.
“Now is the time to stand united against this evil, and prevent future acts of terror from happening here at home.”
