By ACNS staff with reporting by Carol Barnwell, Diocese of Texas

The Bishop of the Diocese of Texas has said that Episcopal congregations stand ready to help in areas affected by last night's shooting in Fort Hood military base. 

In a statement issued today, the Rt Revd C. Andrew Doyle, said "To serve and protect our country is a sacrifice and an honor. The women and men who offer themselves to this high calling should be safe at home at least.

"The shootings at Fort Hood are a tragic reminder that we must redouble our efforts to tend to our wounded in body, mind and spirit. There is a clear need for mental health support for our troops and it is our responsibility to help provide this care as people who benefit from their service.

“Our Episcopal congregations in Copperas Cove and Killeen stand ready to help their community respond to this recent tragedy. The souls of the dead, the healing of the wounded and all their families are in the prayers of Episcopalians in Texas and across the country, as are all those who serve.”

US media have named Ivan Lopez, as the Iraq war veteran being treated for mental illness who fired a newly purchase .45 calibre semi-automatic pistol at fellow service members on Fort Hood military base last night. He killed three people and wounded 16 before killing himself.

The incident occured at the same post where more than a dozen people died in a 2009 attack.

The problem of gun violence across the United States has spurred more than 30 episcopal bishops to form a campaign group called Bishops Against Gun Violence to explore how to reduce what they say is "the appalling levels of gun violence in our society, and to advocate for policies and legislation that save lives."

The group forms relationships and coalitions by those whose lives have been affected by gun violence, advocates on behalf its victims, and supports all the member bishops as they seek to end gun violence in their communities.

The US Army is investigating whether psychological trauma is the reason behind the deadly shooting spree at the Texas military base.

Notes

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas represents 30,000 families in 150 churches in 57 counties across Texas, including the area surrounding Fort Hood.