Contact: Dane Rose, Faith and Action, 202-546-8329 ext. 106, 703-447-1072, DaneRose@FaithAndAction.org

WASHINGTON, April 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- The president of the National Clergy Council, Rev. Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), who ministered to the families of last October's Amish School shooting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has called on pastors and other church leaders to hold prayer meetings this week for the victims of a mass shooting at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia:

"The best and only thing most of us can do for these victims is to offer our prayers for them and their families, mindful of St. Paul's prayer to 'the father of mercies and the God of all comfort.' Prayer is not only a powerful healing agent in itself, but it sends a strong message of solidarity with these families."

Schenck, an Evangelical minister, also encouraged Christian leaders and parents to redouble efforts to help in the moral formation of young people:

"When kids kill kids, there's something desperately wrong in the culture. No amount of laws, police officers, courts or prisons can stop a murder from happening. Only a conscience built on the fear of God can do that. Whether it's teaching the sanctity of life or God's commandment against murder, Christian leaders must tell young people that accountability for doing wrong doesn't stop with death. We will ultimately face God as a righteous judge. People who contemplate committing this kind of act need to know that."

The National Clergy Council represents 5000 church leaders and 30,000 lay associate members from all Christian traditions.

Schenck is available for further comment at 202-546-8329, extension 106.