1999 NCC News Archives

Statement in Response to Colorado School Massacres

By The Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell
NCC Deputy General Secretary/Executive Director, National Ministries Unit
National Council of Churches
April 21, 1999

The National Council of Churches National Ministries Unit expresses its deep and sincere sorrow to the families of the victims, to the students and the entire Littleton, Colorado, community. We know they will have to live in response to this great human tragedy for many years to come and our sincere prayers go out to them.

As people of faith, we must collectively find a way to form partnerships throughout all communities to prevent guns and other violent weapons and explosives from getting into the hands of our children. We must also facilitate forums and open dialogue in local communities to discuss creative and innovative ways to help our children make the transition from childhood to adulthood without resorting to violence to deal with day-to-day frustrations.

The NCC National Ministries Unit encourages its 35 member communions and all ecumenical organizations across America to pause and assess the proliferation of violence among the nation’s young. Schools were once perceived as safe havens, but in recent years they have become killing fields. Even in suburbia there is no hiding place.

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