To the editor:

This past Sunday, a deeply troubled man opened fire in our sister congregation, the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn. killing two people and wounding several more.

We at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island are deeply saddened by this tragedy and ask that our Whidbey community keep our Knoxville brothers and sisters in their thoughts and prayers.

We also want to go on record as standing in solidarity with the mission of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalists, supporting progressive religious causes while working against oppression and injustice. We are enriched by the diversity of opinions and people who are part of our faith community.

It is ironic to consider that, had the gunman expressed his anguish in words or in a non-violent way, the congregation would have reached out to care for him and to help him feel better, welcoming him as a person with inherent worth and dignity.

Rev. Kit Ketcham

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island