The Tragedy at the Tennessee Valley UU Church
Dear Friends,
No doubt you have heard by now that on Sunday morning a gunman pulled out a
shotgun during a children's play at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian
Universalist Church (Knoxville), killing at least two people and injuring at
least seven others. Two of the injured have been treated and released. The
others are in critical or serious condition.
The minister, the Reverend Chris Buice has asked for everyone's prayers. He
said the church was in deep grief over their loss.
UUA President Bill Sinkford has issued a statement on uua.org, including the
information that the UU Trauma Response Team is on their way to Knoxville.
The shooter was tackled by church members and taken into custody by the
police. No connection with the church had been established. No one there
reported having recognized him.
This kind of tragedy is always horrific, but it makes a significant mockery
of the word "sanctuary". There are many prayers to be said, but not the
least is that our brother and sister Unitarian Universalists, most
especially the children, will be able to reclaim their sanctuary as a place
of hope and joy.
I will send our sympathy and love to the congregation.
Faithfully, Laurel Hallman
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