The ‘timeless teachings of President Russell M. Nelson will guide members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the wake of recent violence in Michigan, said President Dallin H. Oaks.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow,” wrote President Oaks in a social media post Monday.
President Oaks, the senior Latter-day Saint apostle, served as first counselor in the First Presidency with President Nelson, who died Saturday at the age of 101.
“Millions of us are mourning the passing of our beloved Prophet and President, Russell M. Nelson,” he wrote. “He was a dear friend and a cherished leader.”
President Oaks said President Nelson’s timeless teachings will “continue to guide us and help us find comfort amid suffering, especially in the wake of the recent violence aimed at members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan this past Sunday.”
Four people died during “an act of targeted violence,” when a suspect rammed his truck into the Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Grand Blanc, Michigan, Sunday morning — leaving at least four dead and wounded eight others.
The suspect, identified by police as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from Burton, Michigan, was shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene.
“The awful tragedy that took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, reminds us of our sacred responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ,” wrote President Oaks. “We mourn with our members who have lost loved ones, and we join in prayer for comfort with others around the world who are suffering from similar tragedies.
“We all seek answers and understanding in the wake of trauma, shock, and grief.”
President Oaks said Latter-day Saints are grateful to all who are “reaching out with service, prayers, and words of support” during this difficult time.
“May we all remember the truth that each of us is a beloved child of God. Our Savior Jesus Christ, through His infinite Atonement, overcame death and gives us the joyful assurance that each of us will be gloriously resurrected.”
“On behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I extend this expression to the family and friends of those affected by this recent tragedy and all others who may be experiencing loss and heartache at this time.”