There Will Be a Lot of Opinions Today

We will hear discussions of gun control, racism, and Confederate flags; political parties will seize upon it as a reason to attack one another.  The common disregard for "organized" religion will be mentioned, I'm sure.  Personally, I'd rather see an examination of the suspect's medication, as twelve out of the last thirteen spree shooters shared a common pharmaceutical profile.  But that would be part of the noise and nonsense, too, so it can wait.

For now, prayers for the members of that historic church, for the families of the deceased, and for the repose of the souls of the dead. 

Gracious God, you walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. We pray that the suffering and terrorized be surrounded by the incarnate presence of the crucified and risen one. May every human being be reminded of the precious gift of life you entered to share with us. May our hearts be pierced with compassion for those who suffer, and for those who have inflicted this violence, for your love is the only healing balm we know. May the dead be received into your enfolding arms, and may your friends show the grieving they are not alone as they walk this vale of tears. All this we pray in the name of the one who walked the road to Calvary.

- from the Presiding Bishop's office