Matthew Wayne Shepard - December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998
Matthew Shepard was a member of the LGBTA (now SPECTRUM) in 1998. On October 6th of that year, he was beaten by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. He died 5 days later from his injuries. While his death is something that his friends at SPECTRUM will never forget, we also hope to remember his life as well. Matthew was more than a gay person who died; he was also a gay person who lived.
Twelve years and many more tears later, we remember Matthew, who was tortured and murdered because he was gay. We remember all the precious lives cut off too soon by suicide, because the youngsters, who were gay, were no longer able to bear the beatings, bullying, and/or harassment.
Let us pray:
A Litany for children who have died from bullying
--by Kirkepiscatoid
O God of justice and mercy, we pray that no more daughters and sons in this world die as the result of bullying simply because of who they are; be it race, religion, sexual orientation, or social awkwardness. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our schools become places of nurturing and hope rather than shame and derision. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our teachers instill values of charity and acceptance in all children so there is no need for one child to feel superior over another. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That parents can put aside what they were sometimes taught, in order to promote tolerance and diversity at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That our communities support children who feel “different from the others” and show them lives that are theirs to claim, lives they cannot begin to imagine to see at home. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
That all children can grow up feeling self-empowered and truly loved simply as themselves, and not suffer beatings and psychological abuse at home or school. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
O Lord, you understand this above all others, for your only Son hung among thieves on a rough wooden cross on a barren hill, just as Matthew Shepard hung from a rail fence on a lonely road. Be our light in the darkness, Lord; protect our children and fill them with the love of your Holy Spirit; hold them in your Son’s loving arms in their most fearful hours, and be with them always.
Amen.
Photo from Wikipedia.
