UUCWI is a remarkable congregation. My nine years serving them were some of the best years of my life.

When I read words like “monster” or “demon” in reports about James, the first thing that comes to my mind is that judgment comes so quickly, and informed statements are too few. He is a human being–a human being who most likely has a mental illness that has reached its next progression. I strongly believe that, yes, he did have a psychotic break/break from reality (and, like you, I am not a mental health professional). If it’s indeed schizophrenia or a related mental illness with delusions, the onset and progression of such an illness can go undetected by a professional who is treating on an outpatient basis.

I have mental illness, and speak from a place of understanding and compassion. I’m stabilized right now. But when I’m not, it’s the loving, understanding support of a few dear friends that buoy me through frightening, painful, difficult flare ups with my illness.

Prayer and loving kindness and healing are what I’m putting out to God/the Universe for all involved in this situation, including James.

Blessings to all.

The ability to hate destructive actions while loving human beings, with all of our potential for goodness and harm drives me to ask “WHY” and “HOW CAN WE HELP” in situations like this. And, without the tranquilizer of guilt, also wonder what could have helped to prevent this tragedy, and loss of life? In asking questions like these I believe we can begin the process of tikkun olam, in our hearts, in our families, communities, universities, and across the globe. Beloved community requires true caring, and even then all violence cannot be stopped. But, even after the act of violence has occurred, we can continue to ask the questions, and take the actions that will embrace all of our human family with greater caring and support, while we improve our intimate and professional relationships with all who struggle.

My heart goes out to James, his family, his friends, his therapist, professors and students in his program at CU, neighbors in the apartment complex, and others who may have known
this young man, and who may now be feeling that they should have seen more, done more, cared more to help him. I hope that all of them can live deeply into this experience, and be touched in ways that move them to become more aware and more supportive of troubled individuals. And, yes sometimes supportive means admission to a place of healing (which we also need more of).

May we all find a way to live more deeply, with more love and awareness of how we can help.