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Unitarian Universalists in the Media

A frequently updated guide to stories about Unitarian Universalists from other sources around the web.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Two killed in Knoxville church shooting; tenting for Darfur; and more

by Rosalie Davis

Two die in shotgun attack on Knoxville church
Breaking news, 7.28.08: Two people are dead and six more were injured Sunday morning when a man opened fire with a shotgun on the congregation at the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville, Tenn. Approximately 200 people from both UU congregations in the area had gathered for a children's performance of "Annie Jr." when a man police identified as Jim Adkisson entered the church and began shooting. The gunman is being held on murder charges. The FBI is investigating the shootings as a hate crime; Adkisson left behind a letter suggesting that he targeted the church due to "'recent publicity' the church had received regarding its 'liberal stance' on things," according to WBIR.

Local coverage:


UUA President William G. Sinkford issued a statement about the shootings Sunday afternoon. Members of the UUA Trauma Response ministry and other leaders hurried to Knoxville to assist the congregations. —Christopher L. Walton

Man shoots at UU church in West Virginia
A twenty-year-old Charleston, W.V., man arrested and accused of firing a rifle at the church next door, is being held in jail. The shooting damaged windows and the interior of the UU Congregation Church, according to the complaint filed with authorities. (Daily Mail - Charleston, WV 7.25.08)

Virginia UUs protest execution with inclusive vigil
Following lethal injection of Christopher Scott Emmet, Harrisonburg, Va., UUs hold vigil for the convicted killer, his victim, their families, and everyone involved in the execution. (WHSV - VA  7.25.08)

Tenting for Darfur
UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, Long Island, N.Y., joins 215 other participants in the United Church of Christ's Tents of Hope project. The UU Service Committee's Drumbeats for Darfur campaign last year joined the cause of bringing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur. (Newsday - Long Island NY 7.20.08)


Congregations in the news
New $4.4 million Green Sanctuary opens for Conejo Valley UU Fellowship in Thousand Oaks, Calif., after decades of renting worship space. Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford is inspired by possibilities that owning a facility will offer the congregation. (Thousand Oaks Acorn - CA 7.23.08)

In this week's Midweek Musings, Rev. Kathy Reis calls for compassion, understanding, and respect for pregnant teenagers. She is minister of the UU Society of Rockport, Mass. (Gloucester Daily Times - MA 7. 23.08)

The Community Church of Pepperell, Mass., is nearing completion of substantial restoration to sanctuary roof and steeple. The parish shares some history in its UU affiliation. (Nashoba Publishing - Ayer, MA 7.18.08)

The Unitarian Church of Calgary is working on environmental issues through a Green Sanctuary project.
(Calgary Herald - AB, Canada 7.18.08)

Through a UUA partnering program, First Parish in Bedford, Mass., is working on three projects with a Unitarian church in Abasfalva, Romania. (Bedford Minuteman - Concord, MA 7.22.08)

Also in the news
Columnist mentions UUA's General Assembly vote among the endorsements for HR 676, a bill before the U.S. Congress that would improve Medicare for all.
(Sudbury Town Crier - MA 7.23.08)

posted by Rosalie Davis at 12:56 PM

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