A tragic shooting in Missouri during the afternoon worship services of a Micronesian congregation on Aug. 12 has left three persons dead and others wounded.\u00a0\u00a0The location of the shooting, First Congregational Church of Neosho, Mo.\u00a0is not affiliated with the UCC.\u00a0 However, the Micronesian congregation that was using the building at the time of the shooting, the\u00a0United Church of Pohnpei, was preparing to be received into the UCC in September. <\/p>\n
The following letter was\u00a0issues\u00a0to\u00a0Global Ministries partner, the\u00a0United Church of Christ – Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, from Rev.\u00a0Cally Rogers-Witte (Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries\u00a0and Co-executive of Global Ministries) and Rev. Dr. Xiaoling Zhu (East Asia and the Pacific Executive, Global Ministries).\u00a0\u00a0Rev. Tesiwo M. Liwy is\u00a0General Secretary of the UCC in Pohnpei. <\/p>\n
A tragic shooting in Missouri during the afternoon worship services of a Micronesian congregation on Aug. 12 has left three persons dead and others wounded.\u00a0\u00a0The location of the shooting, First Congregational Church of Neosho, Mo.\u00a0is not affiliated with the UCC.\u00a0 However, the Micronesian congregation that was using the building at the time of the shooting, the\u00a0United Church of Pohnpei, was preparing to be received into the UCC in September. <\/p>\n
The following letter was\u00a0issues\u00a0to\u00a0Global Ministries partner, the\u00a0United Church of Christ – Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, from Rev.\u00a0Cally Rogers-Witte (Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries\u00a0and Co-executive of Global Ministries) and Rev. Dr. Xiaoling Zhu (East Asia and the Pacific Executive, Global Ministries).\u00a0\u00a0Rev. Tesiwo M. Liwy is\u00a0General Secretary of the UCC in Pohnpei. <\/p>\n
Dear Rev. Liwy and Pohnpei United Church of Christ, Local Congregation, Pastors and Members, <\/p>\n
We are saddened by the tragic attack on the Micronesian Congregation meeting at the First Congregational Church in Neosho, Missouri, U.S.A., which occurred Sunday, August 12th.\u00a0 Our deepest sympathy reaches to all of our Church brothers and sisters during this trying time. The Neosho and Pohnpei Congregations are in our hearts and prayers. \u00a0 <\/p>\n
In the days and weeks to follow, we must hold fast to our convictions, not allowing this senseless loss of life and assault to faithful worship to sway our faith in serving the Lord, Jesus Christ’s teachings.\u00a0 Only through fellowship and love may we conquer the current epidemic of moral and social decay. <\/p>\n
You continue to receive our support and confidence in worship and in devotion.\u00a0 Please accept our sincerest condolences.\u00a0 May we all find the peace each of us needs. <\/p>\n
With Tremendous Respect and Sympathy, <\/p>\n
| \n Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte | \n Rev. Dr. Xiaoling Zhu |