Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called for Episcopalians to remember the people of Tennessee in prayer, following the recent devastating floods.

"My thoughts and prayers are with you in the aftermath of the destructive flooding that struck last weekend," she wrote in a May 7 message.

A two-day series of destructive rain storms May 1-2 killed 31 people in Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky. At least 21 lives have been claimed in Tennessee alone, including Bill and Mary Frances "Frankie" Rutledge, who were apparently on their way to St. George's Episcopal Church in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville on May 2 when their car was swept up in the torrential rains that were pounding the area and flooding large portions of the city.

The following letter has been sent to Bishop John C. Bauerschmidt and the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee.

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To the bishop and people of Tennessee:

My thoughts and prayers are with you in the aftermath of the destructive flooding that struck last weekend. I am asking Episcopalians across this Church to remember you in prayer, to grieve with you for those who have died, and to stand with you in hope for healing and recovery. I give thanks for St. Luke's direct service in a neighborhood so heavily impacted, and for Episcopal Relief & Development in supporting your immediate disaster relief efforts. May you know that the Body of Christ walks with you in many, many ways.

Shalom,
Katharine Jefferts Schori