“Our native clergy have been very involved in their ministries of presence and counseling,” said Karen Olsen, an assistant with the Diocese of Minnesota’s office. “We were told that seven Episcopal clergy were the only clergy present at the first community gathering on Wednesday morning at Red Lake Elementary School. The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith, Bishop of North Dakota, reported that there is an amazing sense of forgiveness for the young man who was driven to this extreme brink—grace in the midst of tragedy coinciding with our Holy Week path,” said Olsen.

On behalf of Episcopalians, Episcopal Relief and Development is providing emergency assistance to a memorial fund established by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa to assist with affected families’ immediate needs. The funds will help families with funeral expenses and counseling services.

In an article published by Episcopal News Service, the Rt. Rev. James Jelinek, Bishop of Minnesota, said, “I believe this fund provides an appropriate opportunity to give assistance in response to this tragedy for now. This fund will provide much needed relief for the many community-wide expenses associated with this tragedy.”

Please keep the people affected by this tragedy in your prayers. To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters around the world, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund online, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), an independent 501 ©3 organization, saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We work with local communities to provide food and health care which enable children and families to climb out of poverty.