LDS bishop killed in California

Yesterday, tragedy struck in a California LDS meeting house. As reported by the Visalia Times-Delta, Bishop Clay Sannar was shot and killed during an intermission of worship services. The shooter, Kenneth Ward, was formerly a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who left the church because he felt the church, specifically a bishop (not Clay Sannar), has wronged him.

After the shooting, Ward called police and led them to his childhood home in Visalia. There, the police shot him to death.

Ward's younger brother, Mike, stated that Kenneth was mentally ill and believed that he had been 'shunned to hell' by his former bishop and that is why he asked for a bishop when he walked in to the church on Sunday afternoon. Mike Ward also stated that the incident was not politically motivated.

Bishop Sannar was the father of six children, had only been a bishop of the ward for about four months and a manager of a fertilizer company. According to fellow church members, Sannar was a well-loved man who was dedicated to family.

The LDS church issued a statement on Sannar's behalf, "At this tragic time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sannar family and all who knew Bishop Sannar."

The thoughts and prayers of many others are also with the Sannar family and friends. As reported by the Daily Herald, residents of Utah County, Utah, formed an online pledge to the Sannar family which raised over $10,000 before the shooter's identity was even revealed on Monday morning.

As the tragedy unfolds, I hope we keep in mind not only the Sannar family, but the Ward family as well. Kenneth Ward may have been the guilty shooter, but he was also a victim of mental illness and from his own story of being wronged by a bishop, may have been a victim of injustice.

Hopefully this incident opens our eyes to the sadness of these everyday tragedies as well as the need for unconditional love for all.

If you wish to donate money to the Sannar family, please visit Pledgie.com/campaigns/12975.