Communal Tragedy

Memorial wall with photos and plaques honoring Yitzhak Rabin at Tel Aviv assassination site.

As individuals, we all know pain and loss. It is the rare person who escapes sorrow. But when one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort. Communal tragedy is different. When something bad happens to us as a community—whether that is a school, a town, a people, or a country—we struggle to figure out how to tend to our own wounds while taking care of each other. Drawing on compassion, empathy, justice, and love, we can bring out the best in each other, and perhaps, find a theology of hope in the midst of despair.

Latest Rituals

“Bless the souls of all who have died to save others”

the back of a firefighter with blurred fire in the background

“May their memories be sanctified with joy and love”

black and white photo of a square fountain with a city view in the background

“You who would hold the sky captive, / The sea prisoner, / The land in chains…”

a barbed wire fence stands in front of a torn American flag waving against a gray sky

Seeking solace for survivors of 9/11

a yellow flower growing from broken dry ground

A meditation on the value of a single life among so many murdered

many lit tea lights

A prayer and call to action while lighting candles

Close-up of several lit candles in dim lighting, creating a warm and serene atmosphere.

A poem commemorating the victims of the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando

close up of hand holding candle - crowd in the background holding many candles

A prayer to acknowledge that all people are created in God’s image

Person in wheelchair with arms raised, overlooking the sea on a grassy cliff under a clear blue sky.

A prayer to repair the damage, address security measures, and heal spiritually after a hate crime

Two women embracing against a dark background, one comforting the other who appears distressed.

A poem for healing in the wake of tragedy or illness

Sunlight filtering through lush green tree canopy in a forest, creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere.

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