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The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County in State College, Pennsylvania, held a candlelight vigil to remember victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting five years ago. Member James Hynes observed, “Yes, there are political signs here, but I’m drawn to the lives of these children and I’m here to remind our neighbors that those were not the last, and sadly, there will probably be more until we do something about it.” ( Centre Daily Times– 12.14.17)
Andover, Massachusetts, resident Tim Marusich shared the story of his brother’s suicide at an interfaith vigil last week. The Rev. Lara Hoke, of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, was moved by the retelling. “Gun violence is much more common than people realize, whether the guns are used in homicide or suicide. The very presence of a gun makes it all too easy to take life and that was something he really brought home in his remarks," said Hoke. ( Andover Townsman– 12.14.17)
In Tennessee, some churches are responding to recent mass shooting incidents by holding “active shooter” seminars. The Rev. Chris Buice, senior minister at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, was interviewed about changes to the church’s security practices after the congregation experienced a shooting that killed two people in 2008. He declined to specify, but affirmed more generally, “It's about being grounded in faith, not about living in fear.” ( WKYC3.com– 12.10.17)
More coverage:
“Peaceful protest against NRA hits home” ( MV Times– 12.14.17)
“'We are no longer shocked': Vigil to end gun violence draws more than 100 people” (Post-Crescent – 12.10.17)
“Auburn remembers Sandy Hook massacre” ( oanow.com– 12.14.17)