This weekend, 26 people were killed and at least 20 more were injured when a gunman opened fire on the congregation of a small community church as they worshipped during a Sunday morning service.
According t0 reports, Devin Patrick Kelley used a Ruger AR-556 rifle during his attack on First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
He was pursued by an armed local resident after the shooting. Kelley was reportedly shot, but ultimately turned his own gun on himself.
Since the tragedy on Sunday morning, Christian leaders have been tweeting their responses, calling for both prayers and action.
Editor’s note: This list will be updated throughout the day.
Beth Moore
Preacher, author, speaker
This is a community about 30 miles SE of San Antonio. Let heaven hear prayers of the saints resound for every life touched by this tragedy. https://t.co/LrXhwZZ7Gm
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) November 5, 2017
It is sacred to weep for those in Christ we have never met. They are our very own. Our flesh. Our bone. Our people. We share the same blood.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) November 5, 2017
Shane Claiborne
Author, speaker, activist
Sandy Hook.
Columbine.
Aurora.
San Bernardino.
Fort Hood.
Virgina Tech.
Charleston.
Orlando.
Las Vegas.#SutherlandSpringsIt doesn't have to be this way.
— Shane Claiborne (@ShaneClaiborne) November 6, 2017
Eugene Cho
Pastor of @SeattleQuest.
It's tragic that we've normalized violence & mass shooting in our country. This is not normal. This is not okay. Be sad but also be angry.
— Eugene Cho (@EugeneCho) November 5, 2017
Jemar Tisby
President of @TheWitnessBCC
A church is supposed to be a sanctuary. A place of refuge and safety. Sadly, this very image makes it a target for hatred #SutherlandSprings
— Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) November 6, 2017
As brothers and sisters united by the Holy Spirit we weep with those who weep knowing no act of hatred can truly prevail against the church.
— Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) November 6, 2017
May the precious souls taken in the #SutherlandSprings shooting finally know the eternal security of a Kingdom that hatred cannot harm.
— Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) November 6, 2017
Lisa Bevere
Author, Cofounder of @messengerintl
Hard to find words for what happened in church in #SouthernlandSprings TX so tragic. #prayers for the families & community.
— Lisa Bevere (@LisaBevere) November 5, 2017
John Gray
Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, Author
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/927353307223543808
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/927353462202957824
https://twitter.com/RealJohnGray/status/927353652351787018
Rachel Held Evans
Author, Speaker
No, no, no, no. Not again. Lord, have mercy. https://t.co/JJutF0sBMb
— Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) November 5, 2017
Jon Foreman
Lead singer of Switchfoot
My heart is heavy for Texas.
And for my country.
Seems like bullets fly more freely than conversation lately.
So much to grieve.
— Jon Foreman (@jonforeman) November 5, 2017
Nichole Nordeman
Music artist, speaker
Heartsick.
Praying. https://t.co/zrkflMz0NI— Nichole Nordeman (@nicholenordeman) November 5, 2017
Joel Osteen
Author, Pastor of Lakewood Church
We are deeply saddened by the terrible shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to all those affected.— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) November 5, 2017
Samuel Rodriguez
President of President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
— Samuel Rodriguez (@nhclc) November 5, 2017
Ashlee Eiland
Writer, Content Producer at Willow Creek Church
Sutherland Springs, Texas. Our hearts can’t take any more. Lord, have mercy.
— Ashlee Eiland (@Ashlee_Eiland) November 5, 2017
