Mass Shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX

But if we really want to prioritize church security, we have to address our gun problem, too. “I get to stay home and just sleep, ‘ it’s really our body coming together”, Fielder Church member Chris Wong said, surrounded by almost 2,000 other members. But former associate pastor Mark Collins announced at the end of the service that next Sunday’s service will take place at the sanctuary where the attack took place, and Sunday school classes will resume.

Wayne Parsons, pastor at Impact Church of Fruitland says for the sake of his ministry’s safety, he’s looking forward to the session.

Aside from vague statements on the role of a domestic issue, we do not yet know much about what led to the shooting.

After yet another mass shooting in the USA, that last sentiment is the only one with which I can agree.

Hunegs said his organization shares what it has learned about securing a place of worship with other religious organizations that ask for advice.

That shooting, along with others across the country, have people wanting to learn what they can do to protect themselves in the event of a shooting. It’s not disrespectful to the memory of the victims and the suffering community to do what we can to prevent this from happening to more people and more communities.

“It affects your community, so you definitely feel the ripples”, Miano said. A UPS worker who had made a living delivering packages for the people of this region said that he was glad that so many people had gathered in the area despite the tragedy. All declined to be identified or have their churches identified for this story.

According to Jonathan Stray’s article in The Atlantic, out of 75,000 gun laws, only three are ever enforced, and out of eight federal laws, only two have been enforced in a significant way. Others train volunteers to recognize potential signs of trouble. “So they may not be visible, but they are there”.

“Any plan is better than no plan at all”, said Walton.

Though the issue of gun ownership and use in the USA is a divisive one, when it comes to caring for the well-being of our fellow humans, it does not matter what side of the argument you are on: If you’re a Christian, you are called to love your neighbor as yourself.

He says the church has reached out to the family of shooter Devin Kelley, and that church members are praying for Kelley’s family. “Will we start second guessing who we smile at, who we invite to church, who we welcome in?”

At the famous Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston’s inner city, police officers patrolled outside while male church members known as “Watchmen” stood in front of the pulpit.