The Bishops’ Conference convened by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), which met in Chicago, IL, from October 3-6, 2006, issued the following statement:

We express our sincere concern over the ever-increasing acts of violence that have been perpetrated in the schools of this nation. We call upon all civil and religious leaders to address this evil that has caused these tragic incidents. We especially bemoan the loss of innocence of the youth of this nation who have been the target of this violence.

We express our heartfelt sympathy to the victims and to their families and offer our prayers to the All-mighty God for those involved.

Finally, we pray for the eternal rest of those who lost their lives in these tragic acts of senseless violence.