July 16, 2015

My dear brothers and sisters:

I join with the United Methodist congregations of the Chattanooga area in expressing sympathy for all those affected by today’s tragedy. We pray for healing in the days to come and encourage individuals and congregations to show acts of compassion to our neighbors. May God grant us peace.

BISHOP MARY VIRGINIA TAYLOR
Resident Bishop
Holston Annual Conference

The Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church includes 887 congregations in east Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and north Georgia.