By Carey Lodge, Christian Today
Church leaders have called for prayer following the fatal shooting of a soldier at Canada’s parliament yesterday.
“With all Canadians my heart is very heavy with the news of the killing of a Canadian soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo, while on honor guard duty at the National War Memorial in Ottawa today,” said the Most Rev Fred Hiltz, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, in a statement.
“This follows all too soon on the killing of another member of the Canadian Armed Forces in Quebec, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, just days ago. I ask your prayers for these men, for their loved ones stricken with grief, and for the Canadian Armed Forces chaplains who are ministering to them. Pray also for the perpetrators of these awful attacks and for their families as well.”
The Archbishop also asked for prayers for all those holding public office, and especially for those working for peace and reconciliation around the world.
“Now is a moment when the refrain of our national anthem, “O Canada, we stand on guard for thee” must echo in every heart,” he concluded.
“Let our guarding be in the diligence of our prayer:
“Lord, keep this nation under your care,
and guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Let your way be known upon earth,
your saving health among all nations. Amen.”
The President of Lutheran Church-Canada has also joined the call to prayer.