Dear clergy and people of Rhode Island;

We are all struggling to make sense of what is, at its heart, a senseless act of violence. I invite those who wish, to add the following collect to your prayers in the Episcopal churches of Rhode Island this Sunday. It is based on the collect for the observance of the deaths of the Holy Innocents (Dec. 28)

We remember this day, O God, the slaughter of the innocent victims of violence in Newtown Connecticut. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of the doers of evil and establish your rule of justice, love and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

You are in my prayers as you work with your congregations in light of this tragic news. May God give you wisdom to proclaim hope in the darkness as you enter the pulpit this Sunday.

+Nicholas

The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, S.O.Sc.
Bishop of Rhode Island

Crux Mihi Ancora