Covenant News

Call to Prayer Issued in Aftermath of Chicago Tragedy

CHICAGO, IL (February 18, 2003) - Evangelical Covenant Church President Glenn R. Palmberg today issued a call to prayer on behalf of victims who perished when hundreds of people fled a crowded club in downtown Chicago early Monday.

The tragedy, which claimed 21 lives and injured more than 50 other individuals, is considered the most deadly in this city in more than two decades. A sense of panic reportedly swept through the crowd following an altercation, sending patrons streaming toward one highly visible exit, causing some to become trampled as people stumbled down the exit stairs.

"The Evangelical Covenant Church urges its members and friends to remember in prayer those who are bereaved because of this loss," Palmberg said. "It is a tragic situation and our hearts go out to all who have been so deeply affected. We pray that the family and friends of the victims can find some comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart . . ."

Printable version of this page.