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The United Church of Christ’s General Minister and President/CEO, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, has issued a statement in response to recent acts of violence in the United States. The statement follows incidents on September 10, 2025, including the murder of Charlie Kirk and a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado where two students were injured before the shooter took his own life.
Rev. Thompson called for prayers for families and communities affected by these events. “Today, we pray with families and communities who have experienced grief and loss, we pray for those who have lost their loved ones in these recent tragedies. May they find peace and comfort in the days ahead as they lay these souls to rest. We pray for the injured and their care givers. We pray for those who mourn.”
She emphasized the need for pastoral care during this time: “Pastoral care is needed for people and communities who are experiencing the loss of these lives in different ways. Ours is ministry to those in need and suffering, and for those who will minister to these families and accompany them on the journey to healing and hope. We pray for their strength.”
Rev. Thompson described both the murder of Charlie Kirk and the school shooting as targeted acts of violence, noting that such incidents are not isolated but part of a larger pattern affecting communities across the country. She referenced other recent violent events, including the murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as shootings involving Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman.
She also noted that yesterday’s shooting at Evergreen High School was the 46th school shooting in the United States this year, occurring shortly after another incident at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
“Violence is not to be condoned and is not an answer to resolving the differences that are a part of our social fabric,” Rev. Thompson stated. “There are differences of opinion on any number of issues. Theological and political differences are not an invitation to hurt and harm others, or to end the lives of others.”
The United Church of Christ condemned these acts of violence while calling for renewed civil discourse within communities: “The United Church of Christ strongly condemns these acts of violence, and continues to call for a renewal of civil discourse in our communities. We mourn with those who mourn, longing for a time when violence shall no more be heard in our land.”
Rev. Thompson also marked the 24th anniversary of September 11 by remembering victims from that day: “And, on this day, when the United States commemorates the 24th anniversary of the violence of September 11, 2001, we remember the lives lost on that day and continue to pray for those who lost their loved ones. We pray for an end to the violence and live with hope for a future where peace prevails for all.”
Her statement concluded with a prayer asking for guidance toward peace: “Bring us back from the edge, O Lord, the edge where our humanity frays... End the violence. Bring us back from the edge, O Lord we pray. Amen.”
