We join with so many across our country, holding in prayer the children, families, educators, first responders of Tumbler Ridge, BC, and all who carry shock, grief, fear, and unanswered questions. As people of faith, we acknowledge that violence grieves God. We entrust those affected to God’s fierce tenderness and care.
With reports that the suspect was a transgender person, unfortunately, we are witnessing horrendous attempts to attack Two Spirit, trans and gender diverse communities.
As an Affirming Region, we join with Affirming Connections’ statement: “We reject all attempts to exploit this tragedy by harming our beloved Two Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse communities. Weaponizing grief is morally reprehensible and extremely dangerous.”
We offer you the following information and resources for your use as church leaders:
- Our First Third Ministry has released pastoral and spiritual care resources that are helpful for families and those who work with children and youth
- A note for Worship Leaders for Trauma-Informed Leadership.
- The National United Church has also released a statement.
- The Moderator of the United Church of Canada, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, has sent pastoral words to churches in the community of Tumbler Ridge and to those connected in Northern Spirit Region to Chetwynd, BC.
- Tumbler Ridge is located within Northern Spirit Regional Council. Please find below a prayer written by Helen Reed, former president of Northern Spirit.
May God give us the courage to sit with pain without rushing past it, the wisdom to offer steadiness in the midst of fear, and the compassion to remind one another that we do not walk through this alone. Let us continue to pray, to grieve, to hope and to work faithfully for healing, care and peace for all people.
On Tuesday, February 10th, the dreadful news of a shooting at the school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. began to emerge.
Our hearts ache with sorrow as we hear of those who were killed or injured. This is such a tragedy for any community, but in a small community such as Tumbler Ridge everyone will be impacted. Family, friends, neighbours, first responders, a whole school population will never be the same again.
Those of us who can only watch from a distance cannot imagine the road ahead that will be filled with pain and hurt, anger and sorrow, but we pray that it will eventually lead to healing.
We can send our thoughts and prayers on Spirit Wind to the community of Tumbler Ridge. We can join our hearts with so many others and pray for healing, pray that God’s Spirit of Compassion and Love will be tangible in those who are able to be there in the brokenness, to hold them close and hold them up.
These are our neighbours, members of God’s family. Let us love our neighbours the best that we can, let us take a moment to join in vigils in spirit if we can’t be there in person.
Let us pray for peace.
~ Rev. Helen Reed,
Northern Spirit Regional Council