World News
Bishop urges community to turn doubts, fears over to God after shooting
Published: July 24, 2012
AURORA, Colo. (CNS) -- Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley said July 22 the "senseless and evil act of violence" at an Aurora movie theater has left many wondering how and why such a tragedy could have happened. In his invocation at an evening prayer service at the Aurora Municipal Center that drew thousands, he said the community will never be the same after a gunman killed 12 people and wounded 58 at a midnight showing of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." The accused shooter, 24-year-old James Holmes, was in court July 23 for an advisement hearing. A judge ordered he be held without bond at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. News reports described Holmes, whose hair was dyed orange and red, as being listless throughout the proceedings. The former doctoral student at the University of Colorado sat next to his lawyer and remained silent. "Questions arise when the everyday securities and certainties of life -- the trust we carry in our fellow human beings, that we can safely go to work each day, or to school, or to the movies, are shaken," Bishop Conley said at the prayer service. "It's natural for us to wonder why does this kind of suffering happen and what does it really mean? We who gather tonight have come to seek answers. Not the answers that the commentators on television might provide, but answers to the real questions that leave us feeling insecure and fearful." He urged the crowd, which included Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and other city officials, to place their questions, fears and uncertainties "in the hands of our loving and merciful God."
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