"Love is the Spirit of this Church" banner in front of the Tennessee Valley UU Church in Knoxville.
Paper cranes created by the First through Fifth graders at Webb Lower School in Knoxville as part of their 2007-2008 peace project. The tag hanging from the bottom of each string of five cranes reads "Our Wish for You; Peace, Hope, Love and Good Health." Webb Lower School 2007-2008 Peace Project.
Altar of flowers and messages in front of the Knoxville Church where violence occurred on July 27.
Unitarian Universalists Respond to Tragedy in Knoxville
A shooting on the morning of July 27, 2008, which came during a performance of a children’s play at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC) resulted in the death of one TVUUC member and one member of Westside Unitarian Universalist Church (located in Farragut, Tennessee) who was visiting TVUUC for the performance. Six adults were also injured but no children were harmed during the melee. The gunman was tackled by congregants and eventually taken into police custody.
In the wake of this tragedy, Unitarian Universalists have rallied to offer ministry and support to the affected members of both Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations.
UUA.org Features and Reporting
- UU Values Affirmed in New York Times Ad (August 12)
- Overflow Crowd Helps Resanctify Knoxville Church Following Violence (August 4)
- The UU Trauma Response Ministry—Playing a Key Role in Knoxville's Recovery from Tragedy (August 3)
- Order of Service for TVUUC Rededication Service (August 3)
- Homily of Rev. Chris Buice—from TVUUC Rededication Service (August 3, posted Aug. 13)
- Words of Healing and Reconnection from Annette Marquis—from TVUUC Rededication Service (August 3)
- TVUUC to be Rededicated August 3 (August 2)
- Called to Gather in Sympathy and Strength: A Letter from the UUA Moderator (August 1)
- Former UUA President Prepares to Speak at Knoxville Rededication Service (July 31)
- Unitarian Universalists Respond to Knoxville Shooting Disaster (page updated regularly)
- Knoxville Community Gathers to Honor Shooting Victims with Joy and Tears (July 29)
- Transcript of Knoxville Community Service to Honor Shooting Victims (July 29)
- Reflections Following the Knoxville Shootings: I've Never Been So Proud—by Annette Marquis, District Executive, Thomas Jefferson District (July 29)
UUWorld.org Features and Reporting
- Knoxville Churches Honor Shooting Victims; Killer Pleads Guilty
- Knoxville UUs Tear Garment to Mourn Shooting Victims
- Joe Barnhart Remembers Friend Linda Kraeger
- Knoxville Church Adapts to Aftermath of Shooting
- Fund Raises $41,000 for Knoxville Church Shooting Victims
- Two UUs Killed in Church Shooting
- Knoxville Stands With Grieving UUs After Shootings
- "I've Never Been So Proud to be a Knoxvillean"—Interview with John Bohstedt
- Prayer in the Aftermath of Hate
- Blog: Local media coverage of UU shootings:
From the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
- Letter to Tennessee Valley UU Church—for Service of Rededication (August 3)
- Remarks from Service of Healing Following Knoxville, Tennessee, Tragedy (delivered July 28)
Press Releases
- UUA President Responds to Knoxville Church Shootings (July 27)
- UUA President Responds to Knoxville Tragedy, Vows Continued Social Justice Work (July 29)
Resources
- Letter from UU Ministers Association
- Prayers From International and Interfaith Communities
- Listing of Vigils and Worship Services Held in Solidarity with Knoxville
- Trauma Response Resources for Families and Children
- Making Meaning After Disaster—A Workshop for UU Adults
Worship Resources
Media Coverage
- Watch Rev. Chris Buice's appearance on PBS' Bill Moyers Journal (September 12)
- Articles listed on UUA.org related to Knoxville > News
Community Resources
Generosity
- The UUA/Thomas Jefferson District Knoxville Relief Fund
- Donate to support the UUA in placing full page ads in several publications—including the New York Times, USA Today, and the Knoxville News Sentinel—which affirm UU values. The first of these ads appeared in the Times on Sunday, August 10th. As of August 11, more than $140,000 had been raised!
Last updated on Wednesday, February 18, 2009.
