Pastor Allan Mortenson (at far left) along with Pastor Del Moen, Father Mitchell Bechtold, Pastor Kali Christensen, Pastor Eric Monson, Pastor Ralph Erickson and Pastor Scott Hoecker led the Ecumenical Peace and Unity Service which was held on Monday, March 18 at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa.
Pastor Allan Mortenson (at far left) along with Pastor Del Moen, Father Mitchell Bechtold, Pastor Kali Christensen, Pastor Eric Monson, Pastor Ralph Erickson and Pastor Scott Hoecker led the Ecumenical Peace and Unity Service which was held on Monday, March 18 at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa.
Prayers for healing and peace for the world: Several area churches join together
SEND US A MESSAGE
by Karin L. Nauber
It was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” for Lay Pastor Allan Mortenson.
But what was “it?”
It was the recent mass shooting that took place at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, March 15, around midday during prayers. There were 50 people killed.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Brenton Harrison Tarrant, who is a 28-year-old Australian self proclaimed white supremacist, carried out at least one of the two shootings that took place at the Al Noor Mosque. Armed with at least two assault rifles and a shotgun (later determined at least five guns were used), he sprayed bullets at the worshippers repeatedly.
At least 48 people were wounded in the two attacks.
The suspect also took live video which was posted to Facebook, Twitter and Google.
The second attack was at the Linwood Mosque about three miles away.
Mortenson said, “It wasn’t just this attack. It is all the hatred going on around the world and the mass shootings and everything getting worse. It is like these people feel they have the power to play ‘God’ and take life with no emotion.” . . . .