Christian Leaders Respond To Orlando Massacre

In my personal reaction as an Orlando native to the nightclub massacre, I said I might analyze the politics of this tragedy later.

For now, I have complied some comments from Christian leaders.

There will be many points to make + angles of vision about #Orlando mass murders. Could today–Sunday–be a day to lament, listen, grieve?

— Ken Carter (@bishopkencarter) June 12, 2016

Florida Conference United Methodists travel to #Orlando for #flumc16. How can we be a part of the healing after senseless violence?

— Ken Carter (@bishopkencarter) June 12, 2016

https://twitter.com/bishopkencarter/status/742067654853308416

Bishop Carter has a full statement here.

The Most Reverend John Noonan, Catholic bishop of Orlando.

We pray for victims of the mass shooting in Orlando this morning, their families & our first responders. May the Lord's Mercy be upon us.

— Bishop Noonan (@BishopNoonan) June 12, 2016

The Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami.

Statement by Archbishop Thomas Wenski on the events that happened last night in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/12eQg675Ci

— Archdiocese of Miami (@CatholicMiami) June 12, 2016

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

Let us stand together with people of good will in making an impassioned appeal for peace. #Prayfortheworld #Orlando https://t.co/F9nGoMbUwV

— Cardinal Wuerl (@Cardinal_Wuerl) June 12, 2016

The Most Reverend Blasé Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.

Our prayers and hearts are with the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando. Full Statement: https://t.co/UTQFBP7vnU #PrayForOrlando

— Archbishop Cupich (@ArchbishopBlase) June 12, 2016

As of Sunday evening, I believe His Excellency is the highest-ranking Catholic to specifically acknowledge that LGBT people were targeted.

Compare Archbishop Cupich’s call to action with the relatively predictable and muted comments of the Most Reverend Charles J. Caput, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

For the gamut of USCCB reax to Orlando attack, today's statements from +Chaput and +Cupich: pic.twitter.com/7AnN5voQt3

— Rocco Palmo (@roccopalmo) June 12, 2016

The Reverend Jennifer Butler, CEO of Faith in Public Life, has this statement.

Matthew Vines, an advocate for LGBT affirmation in the church, had several provocative tweets worth reading. Here’s one.

If you have never preached a sermon about God's love for LGBT people without including caveats and qualifications, now would be a good time.

— Matthew Vines (@VinesMatthew) June 12, 2016

Orlando-area Southern Baptists are hosting a prayer service at 7:00 on Tuesday night at First Baptist Church. The Reverend Dr. David Uth is the pastor.

Gathering to #PrayForOrlando @FirstOrlando Tuesday night at 7:00 . https://t.co/CSUewbs9FT

— GOBA (@greaterorlando) June 12, 2016

The Reverend Dr. Russell Moore, the Southern Baptist Convention’s top public-policy spokesman.

Fifty lives gone, at least. Fifty people made in the image of God. Horrific and heartbreaking. https://t.co/2a7XGj9gg0

— Russell Moore (@drmoore) June 12, 2016

Christian, your gay or lesbian neighbor is probably really scared right now. Whatever our genuine disagreements, let's love and pray.

— Russell Moore (@drmoore) June 12, 2016

Rev. Moore wrote a piece for TIME entitled, “Can We Still Weep Together After Orlando?”

The Reverend Jes Kast, a pastor in New York City.