From the Church Times-
CHURCHES in Cumbria are holding prayer vigils after Derrick Bird, a 52-year-old taxi-driver from Whitehaven, shot 12 people dead and wounded 25 on Wednesday, before turning his gun on himself.
Mr Bird shot another taxi-driver, believed to be Darren Rewcastle, in Duke Street, Whitehaven, at 10.35 a.m. The killings ended three-and-a-half hours later with Mr Bird’s own death in Boot in Eskdale, 20 miles away. His motives were yesterday still unclear.
The Prime Minister and the Queen have sent condolences to those affected. Mr Cameron has promised more help for the area, which is still suffering the effects of severe flooding last year and a school-coach crash last month.
On Wednesday night, the Church in Gosforth held a vigil, and on Thursday, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, United Reformed, and Baptist church leaders put out prayers for the “close-knit and hugely supportive” communities of West Cumbria. In a joint statement, they paid tribute to the members of the public who had gone to the aid of those who were wounded, as well as praising the emergency services.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been caught up in these terrible events of yesterday, but particularly they are with the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured. The community grieves deeply at the losses we have suffered: the confusion and pain will be long-lasting.”
More here-
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=95771
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