The Episcopal Diocese of Utah
News and Events

STATEMENT AND PRAYER BY THE BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF UTAH
THE RIGHT REV. CAROLYN TANNER IRISH

The foundations of the Episcopal Church in Utah were laid in mining and railroad communities, such as Park City, Garfield, Murray, Kenilworth, Eureka, Helper, Price, East Carbon and Tooele. Our first missionary bishop, Daniel Sylvester Tuttle, founded St. Mark's Hospital to care for the miners who were mostly immigrants.
Episcopalians therefore feel especially close to the mining communities of our state. We have been and continue to be blessed by their labors.

Our Episcopal communities across the state feel deeply connected with those families mourning this latest great loss. The courageous men who attempted the rescue of the six trapped miners did so on behalf of all who have followed this painful story over the past two weeks, and we honor them. Our Diocesan staff and congregations continue to pray for healing and hope for those who survive and those who comfort them. We pray as well for those making decisions in the coming days and for all who work to promote greater safety measures in mines and all other work places.

I am asking all of our congregations to use this prayer during worship in the coming days:

Prayer:

O God our times are in your hands. Look mercifully on those who mourn the loss of their loved ones in Crandall Canyon, those miners who remain trapped there, and those who care for the injured. Let your Holy Spirit abide within and among them, reminding us all of our call to care for all God's people. We give thanks for all who risk their own comfort and safety for the sake of others and all whose work puts them in harm's way. Keep us mindful of our responsibilities to press for increased safety measures in their work places. We pray in the name of the one whose very name is Mercy.

Amen.