Statement from Bishop Charlene Kammerer, Virginia Annual Conference, on the April 16 shooting massacre at Virginia Tech

Bishop Charlene Kammerer

"Our hearts have been deeply saddened by this tragic event at Virginia Tech. We have a very strong Wesley Foundation ministry on campus. We have hundreds of United Methodist students who go to Virginia Tech with family members spread across Virginia. We have gathered in prayer and concern for all who lost their lives, their family members and friends, the administration, faculty and student body at Virginia Tech and the wider community of Blacksburg.

At our Conference Center this morning, the Virginia cabinet and the entire conference staff met for a service of worship and prayer. We were led by Angie Williams, our director of youth and young adult ministries. She offered a time for prayer, reflection and grieving. She also delivered a powerful, prophetic message called "For Such a Time as This."

We were able to hear clearly the voice of youth and young adults in our society today spoken through Angie. Not only do we grieve the loss of life, we grieve for the many problems in our society that create people with no hope and no sense of the future who commit violent acts.

We commit our pastors and laity around Virginia Tech and across the conference to continue to respond. We are grateful for the many expressions of prayer and support that have come to us from across the connection and beyond."