Peace I leave with you, not as the world gives but as I give. Let not your hearts be troubled.
– Jesus, John 14:27
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I confess, my heart is troubled. It is hard to feel peace in light of the horrific mass shooting, the worst in US history in Orlando, FL. The shooting that killed 50 and wounded 50 more at Pulse Orlando, a gay club, like all mass shootings and terrorist acts is troubling. Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and the people of Orlando. I call all United Methodists to pray for the victims and their families.
In a polarizing world, let us not throw up our hands in hopelessness, but renew our efforts to be salt and light during challenging times. Let it be a time that we double our efforts to care about and with others, to engage more deeply in relationships and recognize the fragileness and preciousness of life. Let us work to end terror and discrimination and be the peace we want to see in our world.
May God bless you.
John
John Schol, Bishop
The United Methodist Church
Greater New Jersey