Responding to April 15 Mass Murders in Calgary

Chaplains Patricia Kanwischer and Merle Doherty were part of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team that deployed in Calgary after five people were stabbed to death at a house party.

Our Rapid Response Team chaplains spent a week in Calgary offering emotional support and the love of Christ to those who were affected by five murders on April 15 near the University of Calgary.

At the invitation of the Calgary Police Service and the University of Calgary, a total of 21 chaplains encouraged and prayed with students and staff in distress, anywhere on campus, along with first responders and others seeking support. Chaplains also prayed with people who visited an informal memorial at the crime scene and attended all the funerals and prayer services.

You can read the thoughts of two of the responding chaplains here.

Rapid Response Team chaplains are specially trained volunteers who respond to community-wide disasters or personal crises, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are struggling in the midst of difficult situations.