MADISON, Wis. (RNS) — Lots of of individuals turned out for a vigil in entrance of the Wisconsin state Capitol on Tuesday night (Dec. 17), holding candles for the victims of the taking pictures on the Considerable Life Christian College on Monday, during which a instructor and a scholar have been killed and 6 others have been injured.
Wisconsin state Rep. Shelia Stubbs, a pastor who co-founded Finish Time Ministries Worldwide Church in Madison together with her husband, Bishop Godfrey Stubbs, spoke on the vigil, saying violence within the Madison neighborhood is preventable. “We should not stand silent, however as an alternative be moved to motion,” Stubbs stated. “Now could be the time for us to proceed lifting up our neighborhood in prayer.”
On Monday, 5 days earlier than the Considerable Life’s Christmas break started, a 15-year-old lady opened hearth with a handgun. The shooter, who additionally ended her personal life, attended the nondenominational faculty, which pulls some 400 college students from Christian church buildings across the Madison space.
Charles Moore, government director of Affect Christian Colleges, a community that features Considerable Life, joined the vigil on the request of the Considerable Life neighborhood. Moore requested the group to hope for the 2 victims who’re nonetheless within the hospital with crucial accidents.
“We’d ask and covet your prayers,” Moore stated. “I’ve nothing extra to say than thanks so very a lot for caring. It’s nice to be a part of a neighborhood that loves.”
There have been 83 faculty shootings within the U.S. thus far this 12 months, based on estimates by CNN, which additionally estimates Wisconsin to have had no less than eight faculty shootings since 2008.
Folks attend a candlelight vigil Dec. 17, 2024, exterior the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison, Wis., after a taking pictures on the Considerable Life Christian College on Dec. 16. (RNS picture/Audrey Thibert)
Different spiritual leaders in Madison have echoed the grief expressed on the vigil. “We stand united with the Considerable Life household and pray for therapeutic for many who are injured and luxury for the households who’re dealing with the heartbreaking lack of a liked one,” Catholic Bishop Donald J. Hying of the Diocese of Madison stated in a assertion.
The College of Wisconsin’s Hillel chapter, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, Door Creek Church, Lakeland Group Church and Cultivation Church of Madison all posted messages of solidarity at Tuesday’s vigil.
Michael Johnson, president and CEO of Boys and Ladies Golf equipment of Dane County, which organized the vigil, stated on the gathering that Masood Akhtar, a Muslim activist in Wisconsin, had referred to as earlier within the day to announce funding for a free safety set up at Considerable Life Christian College by a third-party firm.
“Their act of kindness speaks volumes in regards to the compassion and the unity that defines our neighborhood,” Johnson stated. “I simply wish to publicly acknowledge you for stepping up and having the Muslim neighborhood pay for such a factor.”
Supporters attend a candlelight vigil Dec. 17, 2024, exterior the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison, Wis., after a taking pictures on the Considerable Life Christian College on Dec. 16. (RNS picture/Audrey Thibert)
On the time of the vigil, United Approach of Dane County’s “Considerable Life Christian College Emergency and Restoration Fund” had raised $21,163. The fund was established to supply help for these impacted by the taking pictures.
Bishop Stubbs, the state consultant’s husband, provided the closing prayer on the vigil: “Tonight our hearts are particularly heavy for the households of the victims who’ve suffered the unmatchable ache of loss. We ask in your consolation round them, bringing peace to their hearts within the midst of their sorrow.”
Because the vigil got here to an finish, the group got here collectively in singing the hymn “Superb Grace.”
