Interfaith Prayer Service This Tuesday for Slain Deputy and Assailant

From the Church Council of Greater Seattle

An interfaith "Service of Hope" is set for Tuesday night, December 5, 7:00 p.m. at the King County Sheriff's office, 9609 16th Ave. SW, Seattle, to remember Deputy Steve Cox, killed in the line of duty, and Raymond O. Porter, the man believed to have killed him. The entire community is invited to attend and to offer prayers.

According to news reports, Deputy Steve Cox, 46, was in the process of making an arrest at a known drug house when he was killed by a single gunshot to the head. Raymond Porter, 23, his alleged assailant, was subsequently killed by King County police officers at the scene.

"Service of Hope" is a program begun by the Church Council in 2004 to gather people of faith at the site of violent deaths in order to offer a presence of peace, reconciliation, and hope. These services sometimes attract over 500 and sometimes as few as three people for prayer, words of faith, and a ritual of spiritual cleansing of the site.

People of all religious faiths, as well as those without a religious background, are invited to attend. No signs or leaflets are allowed, as this is not a political event. Clergy are asked to wear vestments as appropriate to their traditions, and those who inform us in advance of their participation will be offered an opportunity to share in spoken prayers.

Our community continues in prayer for everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.

http://www.churchcouncilseattle.org/subpages/serviceofhope.html