SW News: Faith leaders in America are condoling the death of six innocent people in a mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. They expressed pain over the carnage which took place on March 27 and pointed out a practical and spiritual way to tide over the malaise.

Speaking to Fox News, Fr Jeffrey Kirby of South Carolina said that as a nation, “We can do better. Schools should be safe and secure. Young minds should feel comfortable and inspired to do great things. Schools should not be places of violence, leading to anxiety and fear.” The vicar of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Indian Land said that if schools are abandoned, then young people are robbed of their peace and the nation of its future.

Citing the Bible, the priest said that “we reap what we sow. It’s pressing that we ask ourselves what we’re sowing as a nation ­— and what we can change for the better, so that we can all reap the joys of peace and harmony." He also prayed for the eternal rest of all the souls of the children and for the consolation of their families.

The executive vice president of the American Family Association in Mississippi Ed Vitagliano said in an interview with Fox News that the whole Christian community in the United States was grieving with the families of the victims of the shooting in Nashville. He added that believers were grieving with the people who have been affected by this mindless act of violence.

"In the face of an increasingly irrational and violent culture, the love of Christ is needed more than ever before,” said Vitagliano, adding that the American Family Association was joining millions of others across the country in praying for the victims and their families.

Speaking to Fox News, Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn in Washington urged believers to ask God for healing on different levels. He cited Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble."

Prayer apart, Bradley said there has to be solid action to minimize threats to children apart from enhancing security cover.

It was on Monday that a 28-year-old former student walked into the school spraying bullets from a semi-automatic rifle killing three children and three staff members.