Reports are still coming in about a shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that (at the time of this writing) has left 19 students and two teachers dead. The gunman has also been reported as dead.
The shooting took place less than two weeks after deadly shootings in Buffalo, New York, and southern California. The Uvalde shooting is the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook ten years ago.
In response to the tragedy, many faith leaders shared their grief and outrage on social media.
Eugene Cho, author and pastor
Dr. Derwin Gray, author and pastor
At every level of American society, from government, houses of faith, entertainment, education, & families, must come together with a strategy to stop the mass shootings in America. Psychologically, our nation has a cultural that fosters this destructive behavior.
— Dr. Derwin L. Gray (@DerwinLGray) May 24, 2022
Beth Moore, speaker and author
I want so much to have some words for y’all but all I can do right now is sob. My good friend says that tears are liquid prayers. That is how I’m praying for now.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) May 24, 2022
Jen Hatmaker, author
Lecrae, CHH rapper
Jemar Tisby, professor and author
As a former middle school teacher and principal I can say without a doubt that safety—physical and emotional—was the #1 prerequisite for learning. More than curriculum, culture or activities…If children don’t feel safe, they won’t learn.
— Jemar Tisby, PhD (@JemarTisby) May 25, 2022
Karen Swallow Prior, professor and activist
The image of God. https://t.co/B2WSiMdfqi
— Karen Swallow Prior (Notorious KSP) (@KSPrior) May 25, 2022
Esau McCaulley, professor and author
Michael Wear, speaker
What power or principality could make right of such wrong, make new of what has decayed, or make good of such evil? Only God can make such a promise, and only God can deliver. Yet, it is that same God who calls us to pursue justice now, in His name. Pray we will act justly now.
— Michael Wear (@MichaelRWear) May 24, 2022
Carlos Whittaker, author
If your first reaction to the news that 18 children & a teacher were slaughtered is to defend anything other than them…
It’s time to unplug your soul for 30 seconds and then plug it back it.
Your humanity needs a reset…— Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit) May 25, 2022
Ashlee Eiland, pastor and author
Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago
The Second Amendment did not come down from Sinai. The right to bear arms will never be more important than human life. Our children have rights too. And our elected officials have a moral duty to protect them.
— Cardinal Cupich (@CardinalBCupich) May 25, 2022
Rick Warren, pastor
Brokenhearted while caring for the brokehearted.
— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) May 24, 2022
As a parent who lost one of my children to gun violence, I beg you to pray for the grieving parents of Uvalde.
You'll quickly forget this horror and move on, but they will have to carry this grief the rest of their lives.
Don't forget them.— Rick Warren (@RickWarren) May 25, 2022
Shane Claiborne. author and activist
I’m tired of politicians and preachers offering “thoughts and prayers” after every mass shooting while simultaneously refusing to take the necessary actions to end gun violence… this is what it means to take the Lord’s name in vain.
— Shane Claiborne (@ShaneClaiborne) May 24, 2022
Maverick City Music, artists
Jon Foreman, artist
Sigh… so many innocent kids. Angry. Sad. Frustrated. Feeling helpless. Again…
— Jon Foreman (@jonforeman) May 24, 2022
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, minister and author
Blessed are the ones who wake up mourning. May our tears swell into revolution.
— Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (@RevJacquiLewis) May 25, 2022