One of the 10 members of a medical team gunned down in Afghanistan is the daughter of a pastor of a Knoxville church, the Knoxville News Sentinel has reported.

Cheryl Beckett, 32, was the daughter of Woodlawn Christian Church Pastor Charles Beckett. Today Bishop James Swanson sent the following letter to Beckett, expressing his sympathy and solidarity.

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Aug. 9, 2010

Dear Brother Beckett,

On behalf of the people of Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and indeed United Methodism worldwide, I extend my most sincere condolences to you and your family. Losing a loved one is one of life’s greatest challenges, but to lose a daughter in such a senseless act of violence is imponderable to grasp. Cheryl and her companions in ministry are supreme examples of Christian character and witness to us all. May the peace that only God can provide bring comfort and hope to you and yours.

As I am sure you know, Dr. Daniel Terry, another member of the team was a United Methodist layman, who had been in Afghanistan for 40 years. We all have suffered a great loss, but perhaps the greatest loss of all is the Afghanistan people.

Yours in Christ,

JAMES E. SWANSON, SR.
Resident Bishop
Holston Conference

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See also: "UM aid worker killed in Afghanistan" (UMNS, 8/9/10)