From Scripture and salvation to prayers and peace, hundreds gathered this morning at the Jewish Community Center’s White Theater at an Interfaith Service to pay their respects to the victims of Sunday’s fatal shootings.
Dr. William Corporan and his grandson Reat Underwood were gunned down outside the Jewish Community Center while Terry LeManno was killed moments later at retirement community Village Shalom. The suspect, William Cross Frazier, remains in the Johnson County Detention Center on a 10 million dollar bond.
Crossing religious boundaries, rabbis, priests, and pastors all urged forgiveness and faith in the wake of the massacre.
“Look at the crowd this morning, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, I’ve always been welcomed here…we have the ability to move past hatred,” the Rev. R. Glen Miles, Country Club Christian Church , stated.
Continuing in the spirit of unity, United States Attorney General Eric Holder pledged to the families of the victims that they will be supported, not only in sorrow, but in strength.
“All Americans stand with the people of Overland Park that have lost in this horrific incident,” Holder said.
He noted that while moving forward is not easy and that, “we will never forget the names of those we lost, Terry, William and Reat.”
Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff of The Temple, Congregation B’Nai Jehudah explained that an ancient Jewish tradition is to take a small stone and press it upon the grave for strength, then suggested a new tradition.
“Take two stones, one for the grave and one for you; keep it with you as you may heal and fight against hate,” Nemitoff said.
Father Charles Roe, of St. Peter’s Parish, where LeMannon was a member, echoed the sentiment of compassion and tolerance as he quoted Psalm 123…”My soul looks for the lord, for with the lord is mercy, with him is redemption, amen.”
Concluding the service, unity candles were lit as those gathered rose to embrace with a benediction from the Torah.
“May God bless us and keep us…..and may God bless the world with peace, Shalom.”
LeManno was laid to rest this Thursday at St. Peter’s Church, Dr. Corporan and Reat Underwood’s service is Friday at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.
