Who would Jesus shoot? No one, of course. And certainly no one from the LGBTQ+ Community in 2022.

for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” 

-Matthew 25:35-40

What is a Christian response to the Colorado Springs shooting?

Why not speak out about every single incident of gun violence? Doesn’t everyone who dies from someone else shooting a gun deserve the same treatment? In 2022, that kind of simplistic logic ignores the obvious fact that the LGBTQ+ community is targeted far too much for the trend to be ignored by anyone anymore.

I have a few different messages to communicate to you today. The first is that from a Christian perspective, violence represents a failure every single time it’s employed. “Just war theory” is a poor theory, and its even worse theology. But war is precisely what is being waged against people in the LGBTQ+ community.

During the AIDS crisis, activists had a slogan: “Silence = Death.”

It is as true now as it was then.

These shootings must stop.

Much has been made lately about the NATO treaty, and there was a lot of concern recently when a stray missile wound up in Poland. Was it shot by Russia? Was it shot by the Ukraine? If it was the former, events would be triggered and the shape of the world’s understanding of itself would have changed significantly. We would be a nation at war. Because of that treaty, when one is attacked, all are attacked, and all must rise to defend.

Why can’t we understand this in relation to our LGBTQ+ brethren and sistren? The impact is too large to ignore. Lives are being lost. Mayhem is sowing fear and uncertainty in individuals who live nowhere near Colorado Springs. I remember well how after a shooting in a church in California a few people came to me in a panic about whether we would have church the following week, and about whether I should start carrying a firearm in worship (I will not). 

Where are they now?

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I stand with you today. I am sorry for the failures of a society and a government that has placed a priority of unstable people carrying weapons over your right to exist and to love and to live however you choose. We must do better. I condemn this shooting in the strictest possible terms, and I condemn violence against the LGBTQ+ community. 

As pastor of Pilgrim Church in Southborough, I wanted to be clear on where I stood for everyone who wants to know. If this note came too late for you, I apologize. I need to make sure I understand what has happened and why to comment correctly and effectively. On the other hand, if it offends you that I have an opinion about this, then maybe we need to spend some time reflecting on Matthew 25 with humility and faith to guide us. I am VERY up for that discussion if you need it. 

Pray for all those effected by this tragedy, including the lives we lost: 

Raymond Green Vance

Kelly Loving

Daniel Aston

Derrick Rump

Ashley Paugh

Pray for the heroes who stepped in to stop this tragedy from going even worse, including 

Richard Fiero and Thomas James. 

Pray for all the families and friends affected. 

If you would like a pastoral visit or counseling in light of this tragedy, please call or text me through the church and we will get together. I’m sorry for our collective loss, and please considering working for change that prevents more of these tragedies from occurring. 

In Christ, 

Rev. Charley Eastman