RK ARCHIVE - Some days it's tough to live out your values...

Just heard of the shooting in Knoxville at a Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Two dead, and five more in critical or serious condition.

Right now I’m just too pissed off to think rationally about this domestic terrorism/hate crime. But our UUA National President Bill Sinkford speaks for us all.

UUA President Releases Statement on Tennessee Shootings

July 27, 2008

Statement from Rev. William G. Sinkford, President, Unitarian Universalist Association

I am shocked and sorrowed by the terrible shootings in the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with our injured sisters and brothers in Knoxville. While many details of this tragedy remain unclear, our Association will do all we can to support Unitarian Universalists in Knoxville in the hard days to come.

A tragedy such as this makes us acutely conscious of the beauty and fragility of our lives and those of our loved ones. I am especially saddened by this intrusion of violence into a worship service involving children and youth. I know that many people, both in Knoxville and around the country, are struggling with shock and grief right now. I pray that those so affected will find strength and comfort.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry are on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves. And Unitarian Universalists around the world are sending love and prayers to the Tennessee Valley congregation to tell them they are not alone on this dark day.

The Kubler Ross model of Grief Stages is appriopriate here…

The stages are:

Denial:
- Example - “I feel fine.”; “This can’t be happening.”
Anger:
- Example - “Why me? It’s not fair!” “NO! NO! How can you accept this!”
Bargaining:
- Example - “Just let me live to see my children graduate.”; “I’ll do anything, can’t you stretch it out? A few more years.”
Depression:
- Example - “I’m so sad, why bother with anything?”; “I’m going to die . . . What’s the point?”
Acceptance:
- Example - “It’s going to be OK.”; “I can’t fight it, I may as well prepare for it.”

Sorry for my lack of perspective on this one, kinda stuck in anger right now…

cross posted at www.GettingAround.org

Comments

Thanks, Bruce. (KathyinBlacksburg - 7/28/2008 5:31:17 PM)

It's been a rough two days for UUs, hasn't it? I haven't fully been able to write about this yet. Just did so in a few emails. Not only have we in Blacksburg endured quite enough tragedy, but also now our brothers and sisters in Knoxville are being singled out--because of something we share with them. This time, according to writings of the shooter, it is "liberals" who have been attacked for their faith/beliefs.

Perhaps the most helpful thing I have seen on the subject is something my minister found and sent to me today.

Its worth reading by anyone of any faith (or none) who courageously stands up for what they believe in, not just UUs. I hope it makes you proud to be a progressive as I am.

http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/2...

Bruce, I'm with you..... (Doug in Mount Vernon - 7/28/2008 5:44:51 PM)

It simply amazes me that this man was angry with liberals or gays because he apparently felt that "we" were responsible for his losing a job or government benefits.

I'm not even sure I'm at the anger stage yet.

This is reprehensible.

The Unitarian Universalists of Sterling are having a prayer service this evening at 7 PM, and I have heard that the Fairfax congregation is having one tomorrow night.

This is a time for we UUs to come together and renew our faith and commitment in our communities, in each other, and in our message of religious liberation for all people.

Embracing love is the only way out of hate.

What was the intent??? (bruce roemmelt - 7/28/2008 6:10:24 PM)

Kathy/Doug,

thanks so much for the comments. our tribe thrives!!!!

i'm confused about what the outcome of this could have been imagined by this hate filled shooter.

i went to Kathy's link and read the brilliant post about we UU's and our perserverance.

if crazies like this think that we will be intimidated then they got another think comin!

the outcome is going to be a very powerful memorial at GA next year, and more growth for our faith community. each congregation will double their efforts to promote, "the inherent worth and dignity of every person." and more of our congregations will become officially "welcoming congreations".

this is a test for all of us, but we will pass it and will continue the struggle.

love trumps hate, every time!