Responses to Rev. Nate's Videos
Response by Kelly LoGiudice
August 3, 2008
Today I was reflecting on the tragedy at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. I feel so sad and get teary eyed, choked up when I think of this horrible event. Two people were killed and 7 adults injured by a gunman who opened fire with a shotgun during a children's performance at the church. The gunman was not a member and may have targeted the UU’s because of our inclusive beliefs. One member stood in front of the gunman and "took the blast" to protect others, while others eventually tackled the gunman and held him until police arrived. Those killed and injured were from two area congregations that were participating in a joint worship service at TVUUC. The investigation is being treated as a hate crime.
My husband, Scott, and I became UU’s when we lived in RI because of the inclusive belief system that affirmed the inherent worth and dignity of all. We love the supportive spiritual community of UU churches and the strong emphasis on social justice work.
Reverend Nate at a Philadelphia UU church we attend asked our congregation to reflect on some questions about the event and I am sharing some of what I have been feeling and thinking about it.
First, what would you do in that situation? Would I give my life to protect others?
I don’t know, but I do hope that I would try to tackle the person ( all those judo instincts). I can only hope that I would be able to act immediately to protect the children but I have a small fear that I would be paralyzed by disbelief --just not being able to believe it was happening. I know that I have in the past been quick to act in an emergency particular if it involved kids and that gives me some comfort.
Then I started thinking about anger and vengeance. What if I had access to a gun in that situation?
I know I wouldn’t first think to use a gun. But how would I react if I saw my dead friends around me? I know that in self defense I would react to protect my family and myself. But what about after the fact? As others restrained that shooter, would I be tempted to use my gun on that murderer in vengeance in that moment? I am not sure I can say no to that question which frightens and disturbs me since it goes against what I try to practice and teach others in my life. I plan to continue to meditate, ask for guidance and hope that eventually I can approach this question from a peaceful loving place.
This leads to another question that Rev. Nate asked, will this murderer be placed on death row and how will UU’s react to that?
This seems easier for me somehow since it will be so much after the fact. His death will not change what happens and will not help with healing the wounds of that congregation. I do hope that in his incarceration that he will have to give back to the community that he harmed and in doing so have some kind of change of understanding about the world.
How will we regain a sense of safety in our own sanctuary in our own church?
I don’t feel scared to attend church. I can’t live in fear. This event only makes me want to be more active in reaching out to the community and trying to spread understanding and tolerance. I believe that fear thrives on the sense that someone is “other” or “alien” and that the more you have a chance to interact together the more you see the humanness and the divine light in all. I do believe the fear mongering and oversimplification tactics of shouting pundits enforces stereotypes and discourages dialogue and debate. I believe true debate and discussion is when both sides are open to learning from each other. This type of discussion needs to be encouraged more in our world. I plan to put my energy towards anything that encourages open dialogue and that encourages us to live from our heart.
May these words help you ponder your own answers to these questions and the question of how we will address violence in our own community. May you live your values and beliefs everyday.
Anyone who wishes to send letters of sympathy mail them to both Knoxville congregations: Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919-4624 and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 616 Fretz Road, Knoxville, TN 37934-1604. Donations to the Knoxville Relief Fund can be made www.uua.org
For me, I puzzle
I ask
I hope
I love
Love and Light,
Kelly LoGiudice
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