Dear Brite Community,

Once again we find ourselves reeling in the wake of a school shooting—as of this writing four dead, two students and two teachers. While prayers are not enough, they are also not nothing.

As people of faith, I ask you to join in me in prayer for those families who will have an empty seat at their dinner table this evening and every evening after. I ask that you join me in prayer that this nation might loosen its grip on the second amendment enough to fully grasp the second commandment—love your neighbor as yourself. I ask that you join me in prayer for all of those victims of gun violence that never receive the coverage that every loss of precious life deserves.

And when you have finished praying, I ask that you join me in committing to some meaningful action in response to this, whether political or personal. Write a letter, ask for a meeting, have a conversation, look for ways to make the loner a little less lonely.

My faith reminds me that what is, is not what has to be. I also know that nothing changes if nothing changes, and so I invite you to join me in being a part of the change.

In the hope of peace,

Stephen