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Posted on Wed, Jun. 03, 2009

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George Tiller's pastor: Church has healing ahead

BY JOE RODRIGUEZ

The Wichita Eagle

WICHITA - The senior pastor of the church where George Tiller worshipped -- and was slain -- says he has prayed for the man charged with the murder.

The Rev. Lowell Michelson also said that Reformation Lutheran Church is bringing in "crisis intervention experts" to help the congregation work through "this terrible event."

Scott P. Roeder faces a charge of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault stemming from the shooting of Tiller, who was killed Sunday while he stood in the foyer of the church. Tiller was serving as a church usher at the time.

"I have prayed for (Roeder)," Michelson said during an interview in that church foyer on Tuesday. "I don't know that everyone is able to pray for him right now.

"I don't know about human forgiveness and if and when that would ever come from some of the folks who have been most deeply hurt by this."

Many people in the church are "all over the place emotionally and otherwise right now."

To help people work through those emotions, the church is bringing in the crisis intervention experts and making them available for large group, small group and individual counseling.

"We hope folks will really take advantage of that," Michelson said. "That's certainly not going to wash the issue away, but it will begin to help us voice some of the things that we're wrestling with, and then turn our sights to healing and recovery and hope."

He said some of that healing began Sunday evening, when the congregation gathered in the church for a vigil less than 10 hours after the shooting.

"I think Sunday evening was our first big step," he said.

Michelson said the church has received an outpouring of support "from all around the world" via letters, e-mail, phone calls and even text messages.

"It's just encouraging to know that we're not alone as we try to do this," he said. "One of the things, as people of faith, that is so great is to know that in those times when you're struggling, there's so many folks that are offering to carry you along."

Michelson thinks the healing process will involve a mix of personal reflection and conversation with others, but also some moments of everyday life.

"One of my most healing moments was going for a walk with my kids (Monday) night after dinner," he said, "and holding my wife's hand."

Another moment will certainly come Sunday, when the congregation holds its worship service.

"We'll gather for worship this weekend and sing songs and say prayers and hear Scripture," he said, "and savor the promises of God, as we always do."

Reach Joe Rodriguez at 316-268-6644 or jrodriguez@wichitaeagle.com.