GCORR Responds and Resources the Church Around Buffalo Shooting

dozens of lit tea light candles

May 16, 2022

GCORR is horrified and devastated by the recent shooting in Buffalo, NY. The white supremacist shooter acted with a violent and racist agenda against the Black community. This act of terrorism is a direct result of white supremacy and is unfortunately all too common in America.  

We grieve the victims of this senseless killing and stand in solidarity with the Black community of Buffalo and the United States. 

All our church and community leaders must act to undo the work of racism that’s deeply rooted in our society. We must take responsibility for this ongoing work. Every anti-racist action and conversation is a step in the right direction. For those looking to act, we offer resources for faith communities and individuals working towards racial justice, below are some resources to consider:

For additional resources, explore our resource website: www.r2hub.org.

As we process the Buffalo Massacre, we offer up this prayer, based on Psalm 13, from GCORR Board Member Rev. Gigi A. Warren:

Gracious, Holy, and Loving God,

We find ourselves in a time of great sorrow.
Because we are weary, we lament.
Because our hearts are broken, we lament.
Because our spirits are crushed, we lament.
Because our souls want to faint, we lament.

And when we lament, You are near.
When we lament, You are the Breath of life.
When we lament, You are the One that sustains us.

Thank You Lord, that when we are weak, You are strong.
Thank You Lord, that You are our help and our rescuer.
Thank You Lord, that weeping moves us beyond sadness into compassion.
Thank You Lord, that even in lament, You take delight in us.

Thank you for the gift of lament,
So that we do more than just regret our circumstances,
We also resolve to wait patiently on You to see us through.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

 
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