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Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
World News

Love will "overcome hate" says priest after Orlando shooting

by Hannah Tooley

Revd Sally Hitchiner, founder of Diverse Church which specifically supports LGBT Christians, was speaking after 15 people aged between 20 and 50 were publicly identified as victims of Omar Mateen, 29.

He massacred revellers and at least one employee at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

More than 300 people were inside the Pulse nightclub when gunfire began just after 2am yesterday.

The killer moved into the nightclub, firing repeatedly, before taking dozens of revellers hostage.

 Orlando Police/PA Wire

 Omar Mateen who massacred 50 people in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub was known to US authorities, it has been revealed. 

Revd Sally Hitchiner told Premier's News Hour that LGBT violence needs to be taken seriously.

She spoke about a meeting with Christian Union and an LGBT support group: "We asked them to put up their hands; anyone that had experienced phyiscal violence, just for walking down the road holding hands with somebody, without starting a conversation, without provoking violence in any way."

"Every single LGBT person in the room put up their hands to say they'd had eggs thrown at them - and these are young people in London."

The Anglican minister also shared a prayer on the News Hour.

Revd Sally said: "I pray that Your love would overcome hate and that You would help us, as the Church, to reach out in love and to listen and to engaged positively with the LGBT community in their time of pain."

Victims identified: Edward Sotomayor Jr, 34, Stanley Almodovar III, 23, Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20, Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22,  Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36, Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22, Luis S Vielma, 22, Kimberly Morris, 37, Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30, Darryl Roman Burt II, 29, Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32, Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21, Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35, Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50, Amanda Alvear, 25, Martin Benitez Torres, 33, Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37, Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25, Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31, Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26. 

PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo

Revd Simon Buckley, from St Anne's Church in Soho, at the heart of London's LGBT community, told Premier's News Hour: "No matter what differences you have, you have to respond to the image of God in each person - which is imperfect in all of us, and not particularly imperfect in people because of their sexuality.

"No matter what differences you have, you have to respond to the image of God in each person - which is imperfect in all of us, and not particularly imperfect in people because of their sexuality.

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and yet all are wonderfully and fearfully made in God's image."

Revd Simon Buckley told Premier's News Hour the church will be open late to receive those attending a special vigil in London.

"The main thing I'm trying to do at the moment is just to be ready to respond to how this evening unfolds," he said.

According to reports, Omar Mateen - a bodybuilder - telephoned police and pledged allegiance to Islamic State before he opened fire on the crowds with an assault rifle and handgun.

The terror group has since claimed responsibility for the attack, which was described by President Barack Obama as an "act of hate".

Mr Obama gave the USA a reminder of how easy it is for someone to access a weapon like a gun, saying: "We have to decide if that is the type of country we want to be. To actively do nothing is a decision as well."

Buckingham Palace said a personal message had been sent to President Obama, saying the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were "shocked by the events in Orlando."

It continued: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected."

The Vatican released a statement reading: "The terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims, has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation, of pain and turmoil before this new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred."

Listen to Premier's Antony Bushfield speak to Revd Sally Hitchiner here:

Listen to Premier's Antony Bushfield speak to Revd Simon Buckley here:

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