I'm compiling here statements from religious leaders about the death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Check back for updates -- I'll add the statements as they come in.

From Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, the Roman Catholic archbishop of Boston:

Today we mourn the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and we extend our heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to his wife Victoria and their children, Kara, Edward, Patrick, Curran and Caroline. Senator Kennedy was blessed with a dedicated and loving family who stood by his side, particularly during the past year as he faced his illness with courage, dignity and strength.

We join with his colleagues in Congress and the people of Massachusetts in reflecting on his life and his commitment to public service. For nearly half a century, Senator Kennedy was often a champion for the poor, the less fortunate and those seeking a better life. Across Massachusetts and the nation, his legacy will be carried on through the lives of those he served.

We pray for the repose of his soul and that his family finds comfort and consolation in this difficult time.

From Barry Shrage, president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies:

Like so many people, I mourn the loss of Ted Kennedy. Ted and his brothers were heroes to me, giants in the fight to make a better world of equality, justice and caring.

I’ve never forgotten the first time I met Ted Kennedy. I was 40 years old and brand new to Boston and Ted Kennedy appeared at a CJP event. Steve Grossman introduced us and we spoke. Actually Ted Kennedy spoke - I was speechless. I was speechless because Ted Kennedy was the living embodiment of my best dreams for America and for the world. He was a great leader all by himself but also a symbol of something that powerfully changed my life and the aspirations of my generation.

These changes started with JFK. I never met John F. Kennedy though his picture was on my desk from the day he was murdered in 1963 until I graduated from social work school in 1970. I handed out campaign fliers on the Grand Concourse and Fordham Road in the Bronx when he ran for President. I was 13 and it was 1960. His election taught me something about ideas and the possibility of change.

I did meet Robert Kennedy. During the middle of the Cuban missile crisis, he came to speak at a Democratic Party fundraiser at the Concourse Plaza Hotel where I was working at the time. I was 15 and scared out of my mind.

Robert kept the dream alive. When he ran for the US Senate from New York in 1965, I chaired Students for Kennedy at City College, and I worked for him again when he ran for President in 1968…..a last hope for peace and justice at a time when I was obsessed with both. His assassination, like his brother’s, was shattering.

By the time I met Ted Kennedy, most of my political energy was focused on our Jewish community and its hopes and dreams, for Soviet and Ethiopian Jewry, for a strong Israel, and for justice for the poor and forgotten of our community and of the broader community within which we live.

And whenever the Jewish community needed help, Ted Kennedy was always there. Ted Kennedy was a tireless advocate for Soviet Jewry and went to the Soviet Union to meet with refuseniks on many occasions. Ted Kennedy advocated for their freedom and he advocated for Israel. Through war and peace he always listened. He was always there. He never refused a meeting and he always stood up for Israel.

Ted Kennedy despised anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred bigotry and racism. Ted Kennedy was our own Massachusetts hero and a symbol of the determination of Americans and Jews everywhere for justice and righteousness.

If his brothers were the symbol of the dream that drove and continues to drive my generation, Ted represented the hard work required, day in and day out to turn those dreams into reality. Boston, Massachusetts, our people, the Jews of Greater Boston and all the oppressed of the earth will all miss him.

Our condolences are extended to his entire family.

From the Rev. Peter Morales, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA):

I am saddened by the news of Senator Edward Kennedy’s passing and express my condolences to the Kennedy family. Our country has lost a great leader who tirelessly defended the basic rights of all Americans and stood on the side of those people who were most vulnerable. He devoted his decades-long career in the U.S. Senate to advancing the causes of economic justice, immigration reform, and universal health care. His dedication to making government more just and compassionate has been an inspiration to Americans of many faith traditions. Senator Kennedy had a gift for reaching out to religious people and lifting up our shared commitment to equality and the betterment of humanity. We can honor Senator Kennedy by carrying forward his legacy of working on behalf of those who are marginalized in this country. We must – and we will – continue advocating for the living wage, immigration reform, and health care for all. By giving our resources and commitment to the causes of fairness and equality, we move toward realizing the American dream to which Kennedy dedicated his years of public service.

From the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston:

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Edward Moore Kennedy. A model of dedication to the Commonwealth and the nation as a whole, Senator Kennedy embodied the values that our community stands for - social and economic justice, and the fair treatment for all Americans, including its most vulnerable citizens. His ability to create unlikely alliances allowed for a legacy of significant accomplishments in the Senate that have improved the lives of countless Americans. Senator Kennedy was also a true and loyal friend to the State of Israel and provided unwavering support to her in her quest for peace over the years. His leadership in these areas and more will be sorely missed.

Nancy K. Kaufman, Executive Director, said, "Ted Kennedy, who was my Senator from the time I could vote, exhibited his commitment to core Jewish values. Senator Kennedy has worked tirelessly with us on major issues such as health care reform, care for the poor, disabled, and elderly, advocacy for former Soviet Jewry, and support for Israel." Ms. Kaufman stated, "We will all miss his passion and his commitment to democratic issues and values, and we must continue his legacy of advocacy for social justice. May his memory be for a blessing always."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family and all the individuals who were touched by the work and compassion of Senator Kennedy.

From the Anti-Defamation League's New England region:

The Anti-Defamation League New England mourns the death of long time friend Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) following his long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

We mourn the passing of the Senator, a great American, a master legislator and a passionate champion of our nation’s democratic values and fundamental commitment to equality and fair treatment to all.

Senator Kennedy’s leadership on immigration reform was instrumental. Upon the 50th anniversary of his brother, President John F. Kennedy’s essay, "A Nation of Immigrants," ADL reissued the book. Senator Kennedy wrote in the introduction, "The urgent issue before us is about the future of America. It is about our pride for our immigrant past and our pride for our immigrant future."

Esta Epstein, Regional Board Chair and Derrek Shulman, Regional Director praised the work, legacy and the path that Senator Kennedy brought to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the world. "We will continue to champion his values and work as we move forward."

From Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, a progressive evangelical organization:

In the aftermath of the 2004 Presidential elections, the Democrats were roundly accused of losing the "moral values voters" in America, and of being the party of "secularists" who were hostile to faith and religion. The very first Democrat to call me and ask to talk about that accusation and how to change the moral debate in America was Ted Kennedy. He invited me to his home, where he, and his wife Vicki, engaged me in a long and very thoughtful conversation, into the night, about the relationship between faith, morality, and politics. Their own deep Catholic faith was evident and their articulation of it very impressive. Our discussion was not partisan at all--it was not about how to win religion back for the Democrats. Rather, we focused on the great moral issues facing the nation, and how we as people of faith needed to respond to them.

On the occasion of his death, I pray that God may now move us as a nation to address the greatest commitment of Senator Kennedy's life--the need for a comprehensive reform of the health care system in America--as a deeply moral issue and one that calls forth the very best that is within us. May we honor the life and death of Senator Edward Kennedy by laying aside the rancor, lies, fear, and even hate that has come to dominate the health care debate in America this summer; and regain our moral compass by recovering the moral core of this debate: that too many Americans are hurting and suffering in a broken and highly inequitable health care system; and that it is our moral obligation to repair and reform it--Now.

From Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good:

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy. Senator Kennedy, a man of deep and abiding Catholic faith, dedicated his life to noble public service. In pursuing the common good and advocating for human dignity around the globe, Senator Kennedy’s 46 year career was a reflection of the core values of the Catholic Social Tradition. He championed the cause of justice for the poor, the immigrant, and the most vulnerable and throughout his career demonstrated the value of civility, compassion, and compromise on matters of critical public concern. May Senator Kennedy’s deep faith and commitment to the common good serve as a model for us all.

From Catholic Democrats:

Catholic Democrats mourns the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), one of the most important Catholic political leaders in our country's history. The third longest serving member of the Senate, Kennedy's life exemplified a commitment to public service. His irreplaceable brand of leadership in Congress and to the nation led to the passage of unprecedented landmark legislation that covered a broad range of social justice issues which reflected both Catholic Social Teaching and his deep personal faith. He touched the lives of hundreds of millions of people, providing for their fundamental human needs, opening doors of opportunity, and helping create a more just society.

"Senator Kennedy's Catholicism was at the core of his identity," said Dr. Patrick Whelan, president of Catholic Democrats. "The common thread that runs through everything he accomplished was his belief in building things for the benefit of others, particularly those most in need. I believe this is the essence of being a good Catholic, and I think it's right at the heart of Senator Kennedy's entire legacy."

"The 'Lion of the Senate', Senator Kennedy brought the passion of his beliefs to, in his own words, "all those whose cares have been our concern" while at the same time reconciling differences between his colleagues from both sides of the aisle. He was both a fighter and a healer. He fought for universal health care, "the cause of my lifetime" he said, until the very end of his life. Both Republican and Democratic leaders will greatly miss his leadership in making universal health care a reality," said Whelan, a pediatric specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"Senator Kennedy's passing is an immeasurable loss to our country and the world. He inspired liberals and earned the respect of conservatives. He was the conscience of our nation, particularly on the necessity of providing health care to all and on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged," said Steve Krueger, national director of Catholic Democrats. "His remarkable life's journey - one of overcoming insurmountable challenges through faith - provides inspiration for all of us in our own personal journeys and in serving the common good."

"We offer our most heartfelt prayers to the Senator's family in this time of sadness. There will never be another Ted Kennedy," said Whelan.

(Photo of Cardinal O'Malley taken in Cuba by AFP/Getty Images on August 18, 2009. Photo of Barry Shrage courtesy of Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Photo of Rev. Morales courtesy of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Photo of Nancy Kaufman taken in Boston by Janet Knott of the Globe staff on August 19, 1999. Photo of Jim Wallis taken in Boston by Wiqan Ang for the Boston Globe on February 11, 2008.)

There's been a lot of talk in the religion world about Americans' increasing habit of choosing their own religious affiliation -- survey research by Pew, in particular, has shown that half of all Americans have changed denomination during their lifetime. But there's been less attention to the ways in which Americans also have a tendency to make faith their own, accepting those beliefs and rituals that they like, and rejecting those they don't, within or outside their denominations.

I was thinking about this this morning, when I attended the funeral for a co-worker, Sarah Snyder, who died June 11 at the age of 51. Sarah was a gutsy and funny woman, and a talented journalist, who was felled much too soon by cancer. She was also, like so many folks in eastern Massachusetts (although she was not from these parts), a cradle Catholic who struggled with, but did not completely reject, her faith.

Her funeral took place at a Unitarian Universalist meetinghouse, First Parish in Milton, that is simultaneously non-creedal but, visually, quite explicitly Christian. The minister, Parisa Parsa, used a variety of generic phrases for the divine (in her bio, she refers to "that sacred power that resides in all of us") while standing in front of a large cross on the sanctuary wall and between two enormous gold-lettered quotations from the New Testament, starting with "Jesus said unto them: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.''

As she began the worship service, Parsa declared that "Sarah loved her Catholic faith,'' but that she also struggled with it. And then, she invited the congregation to recite what the minister described as the prayer of Sarah's tradition, the Lord's Prayer, and much of the congregation recited it from memory. The rest of the service included the ambiguous back-and-forth that characterizes so much of the real faith experience of many Americans -- an excerpt from Sarah's journal trying to make sense of the afterlife; several traditional Christian hymns referring directly to Jesus; a friend describing how Sarah had tried to interpret the resurrection of Jesus this past Easter, when she knew her own body was failing; a eulogy that began with an anecdote about St. Irenaeus, an early leader of the Christian church; and a benediction that began, "In the name of God's many expressions among us.''

Of course, many Americans live in an uncertain middle ground between blind faith and avowed atheism, and we see the tension between doubt and belief all around us in any candid conversation; it's just not all that often that I see it in church, and it was interesting to watch how one service illuminated head on the contradictions that characterize so many folks' faith experience.

(Photo, by David L. Ryan, Globe staff, shows First Parish in Milton on May 12, 2000, when the steeple was under repair.)

Andover Newton Theological School (right) this week announced that it is pursuing a possible merger with Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, prompting me to take a look at the variety of ways in which local theological schools are adapting to new economic and educational realities. Here's an excerpt from the story:

"The decision by Andover Newton follows several innovative arrangements by local theological schools facing financial or enrollment pressures.

In Cambridge, Episcopal Divinity School is in the midst of a new partnership with Lesley University, in which Lesley is purchasing seven buildings from EDS, the land is being governed cooperatively by the two schools, a joint library is about to be launched, and Lesley is taking over buildings and grounds, custodial services, and dining services for EDS. The two schools expect at some point to discuss academic cooperation.

In Brighton, Boston College has absorbed Weston Jesuit School of Theology, which had been located in Cambridge, and Boston College is also providing facilities assistance to St. John's Seminary, which is on land the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston recently sold to the university. In Newton, Andover Newton is already sharing maintenance staffs and some academic programming with Hebrew College, which is now having conversations with other potential partner institutions.

On the North Shore, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, an evangelical Protestant institution that is by far the largest local theological school, has adapted to the new climate by opening additional campuses in North Carolina, Jacksonville, Fla., and Roxbury and sharing faculty and administration among the campuses.

'When you have a fixed amount of money, are you going to spend it on gutters and downspouts or scholarships and scholars?' asked Nick Carter, president of Andover Newton. 'Folks are looking at the challenge of overhead versus the delivery of mission.'"

(Photo, by Wendy Maeda of the Globe staff, shows a building at Andover Newton on May 27, 2009.)

Empire State Pride Agenda, a gay rights organization in New York, yesterday released a video (above) and a pamphlet featuring a group of liberal Massachusetts clergy arguing that the legalization of same-sex marriage has not led to restrictions on religious freedom. The video and pamphlet are being used by the New York organization as part of its campaign in that state, where the governor last week introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. Empire State Pride Agenda says the Massachusetts clergy are being cited to rebut claims by conservative religious organizations that the legalization of gay marriage threatens religious freedom.

The clergy interviewed, all of whom support same-sex marriage but some of whom are not allowed by their denominations to officiate at same-sex weddings, point out that most Massachusetts clergy do not officiate at same sex marriages (they're not allowed to, by religious authorities, in Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Mormon, or evangelical churches, or in Orthodox synagogues or in mosques) and said that there has been no government pressure on them to do so.

I called up the conservative Massachusetts Family Institute and the Massachusetts Catholic Conference to get their thoughts; not surprisingly, they see the landscape differently. They believe that confrontation between public policy (supporting gay marriage) and religious denominations (that oppose gay marriage) is inevitable, although they acknowledge that it hasn't happened yet. But they point to the state requirement that Catholic Charities be willing to place adoptive children with same-sex couples in order to continue participating in a state adoption program as an example of how this kind of tension plays out. I have a story, "Clergy lend voices to marriage debate,'' in today's paper.

Harvard Divinity School is freezing faculty salaries, postponing some searches, hinting at layoffs, and acknowledging that it will not meet its goal of fully funding the tuition of all needy students by next year, according to a memo to the school's faculty and staff from Dean William A. Graham. The memo, which was reported by Bloomberg, outlines how Graham plans to comply with university-wide budget-cutting measures necessitated by the recession and Harvard's falling endowment. Here is the key section of the memo:

"Our priorities and some of the steps HDS is taking in light of current budget guidance from the University are as follows:

•Our top priority is maintaining the levels of student financial aid now being offered. This year, 72 percent of the 90 percent of HDS students with need are receiving grants to cover at least full tuition and fees. Many of these students are also receiving stipends toward living expenses. With the change in financial situation, it appears that HDS will now be unable to reach our earlier goal of funding at least full tuition and fees for all students with need by FY10. Nevertheless, we do not want to lose ground; therefore we intend to maintain the level of aid currently being offered and to keep next year's tuition increases within the normal range.

•Following University-wide guidelines, HDS faculty and administrative/professional (exempt) staff salaries will remain flat for FY10 (with exceptions to meet necessary equity adjustments); HUCTW (union) staff will receive salary increases as outlined in the union contract.

•The pace of faculty growth will need to be slower than planned, with some faculty searches postponed. We are also reducing sharply the current number of visiting and adjunct positions, appointing only those absolutely necessary to cover gaps in the curriculum.

•We also expect to slow the pace of our facilities-renewal projects, carefully weighing key timing considerations and taking advantage of opportunities to reduce operating costs through energy conservation.

•Our events, travel, and catering budgets are under close scrutiny and will be cut in ways we can all live with.

•We have been reviewing all of our non-degree programs and our academic support mechanisms, seeking to identify costs that might be reduced or temporarily eliminated without affecting our core programs or the quality and extent of our curriculum.

•We will continue to review all HDS publications, evaluating what should continue in print and where web publications may be of greater utility.

From the start of the emerging global economic crisis last fall, we have hoped to meet the School's financial challenges without reducing staff. As we reexamine priorities for our various activities and programs, it has become clear that this will inevitably involve a review of staffing configurations. In an effort to minimize impact to employees we are looking—and will continue to look closely and to think creatively—to see if we should arrange things differently and make do without filling vacancies as they arise. If situations arise in which the shifting of priorities leads to staff reductions, we want to assure everyone that, particularly in light of the tight job market, we will seek to provide all possible assistance and support to any affected employee."

(Photo of Harvard Divinity School by Tom Herde of the Globe staff.)

The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, where church usher Greg McKendry and visitor Linda Kraeger were shot to death and six others were wounded by a gunman July 27, held its first post-shooting worship service yesterday, and about 800 people attended (most had to watch on closed-circuit TV -- the sanctuary seats 375). The Knoxville News Sentinel has full coverage of the rededication service, as well as the shooting and its aftermath.

The Rev. William G. Sinkford, the president of the Boston-based Unitarian Universalist Association, offered the following message to the congregation:

"You are gathered today on what is truly sacred ground. No one should ever be in harm’s way inside a place of worship. What happened in this room a week ago was a profound violation of everything a house of worship is supposed to represent. There could have been a number of responses to this tragedy – you could have responded with fear, with anger, or with despair. You could have returned the hatred that was directed at your community. But instead you greeted hatred with love, and you created meaning from an unthinkably destructive act. You have chosen to reclaim this space, a choice that reflects your deep commitment to your religious mission and an abiding belief in the power of community. The unbreakable spirit of the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community has inspired the awe and respect of the entire world, and deservedly so. Because last week this sanctuary witnessed acts that were courageous, generous, and deeply compassionate. It is true that the crime was shockingly profane, but your responses were, and continue to be, deeply reverent. No murderer can take away what is sacred about this place, because your love has overpowered fear, just as your faith is helping you heal and move forward, together. It is the presence of gathered community that makes a place holy, and today the world is moved by your example. Your gift of courage is a blessing to us all."

Many local UU congregations held services to reflect on the Knoxville shooting. From the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, the Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo sent along some of her comments. An excerpt:

"This is not the first time violence or hatred has touched the Unitarian Universalist community. In the early 50s the Knoxville congregation became the first integrated church in the community and was openly accused of communism and ousted from their rental space in a school. Others were firebombed during the civil rights movement and UU minister James Reeb lost his life in Selma. More locally we’ve had rainbow flags torn, leaflets strewn and just last Tuesday evening an individual offered an obscene gesture to our Peace vigilers. I’m always saddened and perplexed when theological or political disagreements are expressed with such venom. I’m beyond sad when violence enters the equation. How could anyone kill people for believing that all people have worth?..How could one plan to kill dozens of peaceful worshippers in front of their children? These are the questions we’re left with, along with a host of others about inadequate funding for mental health programs, gun control, accountability in the world of political pundits, follow-through in domestic abuse cases and so much more."

John Bohstedt, a onetime Bostonian who now lives in Knoxville and describes himself as a "proud member" of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, has sent me a couple of e-mails to express his irritation at elements of the media coverage of the shooting there last weekend, which killed two people. Bohstedt took issue with the Globe's use of the words "reeling" and "rattled" to describe UUs. I think he is slightly missing the point of my story, which was describing the reaction of UUs in Massachusetts and elsewhere to the shootings in Knoxville, and not how the worshipers in Knoxville reacted at the moment the gunman opened fire, but still, some interesting thoughts from Bohstedt, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Some excerpts:

"An eyewitness who was protecting her children a few feet from the gunman said it was remarkable how everyone was doing exactly what they needed to do -- subduing the gunman, calling 911, tending to the victims, and evacuating the sanctuary...The reason I am saying all this is -- Media have done much to make us a fearful people -- to emphasize the danger in the world. Real life is often NOT like that, and in this case - evil was overcome efficiently by LOVE. One eyewitness said: There are a lot more good guys in the world, but the bad guys get all the press...

Above all, please do not let bi-coastal myopia cloud your judgments -- for every crazed wacko with a gun, there are thousands of civilized, rational, and loving people in East Tennessee who have produced a remarkable culture. (I myself am an Iowan by birth, moved here from Boston 29 years ago, still afflicted with Red Sox fever, getting better recently.) In closing, I have been studying the behavior of crowds for decades, in old documents and in our UT football stadium, and more often than not 'there is METHOD in the 'madness' of crowds' -- the METHOD of our TVUUC church is organized Love."

(Photo by AP, showing members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church hugging in their parking lot Monday, the day after the shooting.)

The Rev. Marjorie Matty, minister of the First Universalist Society of Salem, sends along a copy of a letter she is planning to send tomorrow to her congregation. An excerpt:

"This week has been a very difficult one for Unitarian Universalists around the country and the world...When the news agencies reported this story, they spun it as a gunman (Jim D. Adkisson) targeting a liberal church because he was unemployed and frustrated. The details reveal that Jim D. Adkisson had a history of abuse, alcoholism and five failed marriages. His last ex-wife had been a member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. He was angry and violent and wanted someone to expend his anger on. He chose the church as a place to do this. A letter he left in his car explained that Mr. Adkisson did not expect to survive the attack. The courage and quick response from the congregation was able to subdue him before the police and ambulances arrived.

This is an incredible tragedy in so many ways. Mr. Adkisson was unable to find the help that he clearly needed when he was in dire emotional distress. Secondly, he acted out in a manner that hurt many people physically as well as emotionally. Thirdly, this story is being reported by the media in a way that is fostering an environment of fear in liberal churches around the country.

The church in Knoxville has sustained an assault on their sanctuary, a place that should be sacred, peaceful and safe."

Rev. Wendy von Zirpolo, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, sends along a note about the shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, saying “This incident is a stark reminder that homophobia is alive and killing.” Von Zirpolo's congregation held a vigil in Marblehead last night, and is planning a worship service to reflect on the shootings at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

“Our doors, like the Knoxville congregation, remain open to everyone, and on Sunday we will mourn the loss of their two fallen members, offer prayers to their entire community, provide solace to those shaken by the presence of such violence in our lives and celebrate the commitment to diversity that ironically would have welcomed this troubled man had he arrived without a gun and instead with a simple request for aid....The local interfaith community has been outstanding in their support. I’ve received messages of shared grief, support and collective hope from my Marblehead colleagues and know this group to be one that understands this assault, violence brought into in a house of worship, to be an assault upon us all.”

Unitarian Universalism, the small, liberal religious denomination headquartered in Boston, is rattled by the shooting in Knoxville Sunday that killed two members of the Tennessee Valley UU Church. From my story, in today's Globe:

"The first reaction is, 'Why a Unitarian Universalist church, and why go in there when there are children there and try to kill people because of liberalism?' " said the Rev. Kristen Harper, minister of the Unitarian Church of Barnstable on Cape Cod. "Even though he's crazy, you still wonder, why a liberal church, and how does shooting up liberals make sense? For people to use violence against us, it's really sad."

There is a ton of chatter about the shooting on the Web. The Unitarian Universalist Association is posting news, and has set up a blog for notes to the church. There is a Facebook group set up to talk about the shooting. And there's a ton of commentary about the shooting going on in the blogosphere -- check out Philocrites and Orcinus among many others.

There's also ongoing news coverage at the Knoxville News, and a daily digest of news stories at the UU World.

And feel free to post your thoughts in our comments section on this blog.

UPDATE: A UU minister from Marblehead sees homophobia at work; in Salem, the minister is concerned about media coverage.

(Photo above by AP, of a note attached to flowers at the base of the sign for the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.)

The man who opened fire at a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Knoxville Sunday, killing two, left a four-page explanation in his car that expressed hatred for liberals and gays. The Knoxville News has complete coverage.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, a DC-based gay rights organization, issued a statement on the shooting yesterday. An excerpt:

“Unitarian Universalist churches have been spiritual leaders for all of us. They have offered sanctuary for LGBT people when most other denominations wouldn't and have provided space for those shunned and marginalized by the larger culture. As we pray for the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist community, we also pray for the entire Unitarian Universalist Association as they grieve this senseless tragedy to one of their finest congregations.”

(Photo by AP)

There was another tragic church shooting today, this one at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville. A 60-year-old church usher was killed; eight people were injured.

The Unitarian Universalist Association is headquartered in Boston. The denomination's president, the Rev. William G. Sinkford, issued the following statement this afternoon:

"I am shocked and sorrowed by the terrible shootings in the sanctuary of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. My heart is heavy and my prayers are with our injured sisters and brothers in Knoxville. While many details of this tragedy remain unclear, our Association will do all we can to support Unitarian Universalists in Knoxville in the hard days to come. A tragedy such as this makes us acutely conscious of the beauty and fragility of our lives and those of our loved ones. I am especially saddened by this intrusion of violence into a worship service involving children and youth. I know that many people, both in Knoxville and around the country, are struggling with shock and grief right now. I pray that those so affected will find strength and comfort. Members of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Response Ministry are on their way to Knoxville to offer additional ministry to the congregation as it grieves. And Unitarian Universalists around the world are sending love and prayers to the Tennessee Valley congregation to tell them they are not alone on this dark day."

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: The death toll from the shooting has risen to two, and Sinkford is on his way to Knoxville.

(Photo by J. Miles Cary of the Knoxville News Sentinel.)

So I guess this is kind of like posting that first dollar bill in the new store -- a Unitarian Universalist blogger named Chris Walton, who blogs under the nom de plume Philocrites, is, as far as I know, the first religion blogger to give a shout-out to the Globe's new religion blog (you are here!) and link to it (if you want to do the same, we're at Articles of Faith).

So, welcome Philocrites readers!

Chris notes that the new blogroll, which just went up yesterday, doesn't include any UU blogs (except for Beauty Tips for Ministers, which is UU-authored but ecumenically themed, and which also appears to be on hiatus). I sent him a note to say that my blog is still in its beta stage -- if there is such a thing, given that it's live -- as we tweak the design, get comments enabled, and as I experiment with various forms of posts to see what works. But I also have to be honest here -- the only UU blogger I have bookmarked is PeaceBang, and my familiarity with the UU blogging world is limited.

So, if you have any suggestions for UU blogs I should check out, or ideas for stories about what's going on in UUism, send them along.

Jessica Bennett, the blog editor at Beacon Press, suggests I check out Beacon Broadside:

"We post on the wide variety of issues covered by our list, including religious and interfaith issues. This week, Rev. Forrest Church posted about his battle with esophageal cancer and his acceptance of his terminal diagnosis. I hope you’ll get a chance to read it. Rev. Church is a beloved minister at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in New York, and has published numerous books with Beacon Press. I was tremendously grateful to receive this post, which I hope will be the first of many. His strength in the face of an incurable illness is truly inspiring."

Michele McNeill recommends Sunflower Chalice:

"My friend, Rev. Tony Lorenzen is a UU minister originally from Mass who just moved to texas to head a congregation there. He blogs here on UU and Zen stuff."

And Philocrites himself e-mails:

"The 'best' UU blogs probably depend on what you're most interested in. For news-related content, probably my blog Philocrites and UU World's Unitarian Universalists in the Media blog. UU World also has a weekly blog roundup that tracks developments in the UU blogosphere. You can get a full-text feed or email alerts from that one. I'm UU World's editor. For good reads in the UU blogosphere, I recommend the following: PeaceBang (Victoria Weinstein's other blog); Celestial Lands (by a UU studying to be a military chaplain); The Chalice Blog (by a law student in Maryland; when people want to bitch about denominational goings-on, they do it at her place). I've compiled an annotated guide to UU blogs here; the medallions indicate blogs I consider especially worth visiting.''