Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) offers prayers of support for students, faculty and families affected by the tragedy on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.

On Monday morning, shootings on the campus left 32 people dead and more than 15 people injured. An investigation is currently underway by university officials and Virginia State Police.

Richard Olsen, ERD’s Director of Domestic Disaster Response and Preparedness, has been in communication with the Dioceses of Southwestern Virginia and Virginia. The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia is working with the Canterbury House Ministry on Virginia Tech’s campus. ERD stands ready to provide support as needs are identified.

Please continue to pray for the Virginia Tech community and the families of those touched by this crisis.

“Gracious God, we come before you this day in pain and sorrow.  We grieve the loss of these precious human lives.  Give your grace to those who grieve, especially their families and friends, that they may find comfort in your presence and be strengthened by your Spirit.  Be with all who mourn this loss, and draw us together in your healing love; in the name of the one who suffered, died, and rose for us, Jesus our Savior.  Amen.”
(from Enriching Our Worship 3, Church Publishing Incorporated, New York)

Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world.  ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.