Forty-nine are dead—50 counting identified shooter Omar Marteen, who slaughtered more victims than any other shooter in U.S. history.
The nation appears paralyzed, with political candidates calling for gun reform and LGBT community support.
But pastors and prophetic voices alike are also speaking out. Here’s what some of them have to say:
Prophetic voice Rick Joyner: “The Christian community has crossed swords with the LGBT for a long time, but when it comes to this kind of diabolical attack on defenseless victims, of any persuasion, we must stand together in defense of our fellow Americans. The fact is that most of the armed Americans who can defend their neighbors are conservatives, and liberal Americans tend to be anti-gun. So be it, but this is the time for the armed conservatives to be ready to defend their unarmed liberal neighbors, or LGBT neighbors.
“There are also many faces to Islam, just as their are many faces to Christianity. Moderate or liberal Muslims are some of the most at risk from radical Islamist, many of which truly are more Americans than Islamists. These we too must stand with and defend in these times when many will want to lump them together with the Muslim terrorists, but they are not. The worst deception that comes upon all of humanity is for us to judge other people, or people groups by their most extreme elements. Let us not fall to that deception as we resolve to defend the truth. We are at war with radical Islam, but not all Muslims are in this category. It may be easier to lump all Muslims together, but that is not the truth, and we must be committed to the truth.”
Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd: “Our hearts are broken for the people of Orlando. May America Rise up and pray for the families of the victims and the entire city. Our Southern Baptist family will do so from across the world as well as from our convention at #SBC16 in St. Louis, In these perilous times in America, we are reminded again of our great need for Jesus Christ and for spiritual awakening in America.”
National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Rev. Samuel Rodriguez: “Today’s deplorable act of terrorism goes against everything we stand for as Americans and as Christians. Every life, deserves to be loved, cherished and respected. We mourn with the families of the victims and pray for those injured in Orlando. In addition, we call upon all Americans to come together for the purpose of building a firewall of love, grace, truth and respect against intolerance, hatred, bigotry and violence.”
Prophetic voice Dutch Sheets: “Debate it later. Pray now. The Lord is close 2 those who r brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits r crushed. Ps 34:17 #PrayForOrlando” (sic).
The Rock Church Pastor Miles McPherson: “Our hearts grieve with all the family and friends of those effected (sic) by today’s tragedy in Orlando. May America’s most deadly shooting be matched by America’s most focused prayers for peace and unity.”
SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore: “Let’s call our congregations to pray together. Let’s realize that, in this case, our gay and lesbian neighbors are likely quite scared. Who wouldn’t be? Demonstrate the sacrificial love of Jesus to them. We don’t have to agree on the meaning of marriage and sexuality to love one another and to see the murderous sin of terrorism. Let’s also pray for our leaders who have challenging decisions to make in the midst of crisis. Let’s mobilize our congregations and others to give blood for the victims. Let’s call for governing authorities to do their primary duty of keeping its people safe from evildoers.
“And let’s bear patiently with those who jump the gun in arguing about the politics on social media. For many of them, the jump to talk about gun control or Islam or military preparedness or any other issue isn’t so much about pontificating as it is about frustration. They, like all of us, want this horror to end, and they want to do something—even if that’s just expressing themselves on Twitter.
“As the body of Christ, though, we can love and serve and weep and mourn. And we can remind ourselves and our neighbors that this is not the way it is supposed to be. We mourn, but we mourn in the hope of a kingdom where blood is not shed and where bullets never fly.”
Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce: “My heart breaks for the families of those killed last night in Orlando. The hate in people’s hearts must indeed grieve the Lord so much. We are called to love. Period. My prayers are with those picking up the pieces of this broken world today.”
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler: “This is when we show that Christians mourn with those who mourn. May the Gospel of Christ be evident as the only power greater than a broken heart.”
Free Chapel Senior Pastor Jentezen Franklin: “Today we mourn the loss of so many Americans. We are praying for the hurting families to experience God’s peace and comfort.”
For more Christian responses and calls to prayer, click here.
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