Faith leaders react to deadly shooting at Michigan Latter-day Saints Church
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The recent deadly attack at a Latter-day Saints (LDS) church in Michigan has sent shockwaves across the country, including here in the Coachella Valley, where local faith communities are expressing growing concern over safety in religious spaces.
The attack — which involved a gunman driving into a church building, opening fire, and setting it ablaze — left at least four people dead and eight others injured. The violent act is prompting urgent calls for action from religious leaders throughout the valley.
Rabbi Steven Rosenberg says this latest tragedy highlights a grim reality faith communities have been grappling with for years — particularly in the Jewish community, which has been the target of multiple hate-driven attacks nationwide.
“Churches are going to have o unfortunately look at security from a more robust and realistic point of view… The days of having doors open to anyone who wishes to come in are pretty much over.”
Rabbi Steven Rosenburg, Congregation Beit Haverim
Rosenberg emphasized that religious violence transcends faith lines, and combating it will require collaboration across denominations.
“Inter-religious, interdenominational groups are important. When you have colleagues from different faiths coming together and sharing their knowledge and experience and the steps we can take — we can learn from each other. Regardless of what religion we are, it’s still the same threat.”
Rabbi Steven Rosenburg, Congregation Beit Haverim
News Channel 3 reached out to local LDS congregations for comment, but none were available. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement that read, in part:
“In moments of sorrow and uncertainty, we find strength and comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ… Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peacemaking, prayer, and connection. We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”
As local congregants gather in the wake of this tragedy, some are uniting in both grief and determination — working toward healing while taking serious steps to ensure places of worship remain spaces of refuge and peace.
Stay with New Channel 3 for more.