April 11, 2024 in Bishop, Bishop messages
Statement by Bishop Patricia Davenport on Eid al-Fitr Shootings
Beloved,
I was deeply troubled and saddened to learn of the shooting that erupted yesterday during a joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival that closes the holy month of Ramadan, in the Parkside neighborhood in West Philadelphia.
It is sobering for every person of faith to know that even public expressions of religious faith are threatened by the gun violence that is raging across our city. I pray that the Holy Spirit would stir the leaders and people of Philadelphia to increase efforts to reduce this epidemic of violence.
On behalf of the lay faithful, pastors, and deacons of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, I offer my deepest prayers for our brothers and sisters in the Muslim faith community. Today we stand in solidarity with the community and share in their hurt and anguish.
I ask all members of the Lutheran tribe of the Jesus Movement in southeastern Pennsylvania to join me in asking God to pour out mercy, healing, and a loving embrace upon all those in the Muslim community who are suffering.
We pray especially for those who were wounded in this incident, for all those who witnessed the event and experienced this trauma during their important religious festival, as well as for all in the community who have been affected. And may God watch over the first responders who protect and serve our communities each day and night. We are grateful for their service.
The Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Davenport
Bishop
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod,
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
