Crime & Safety

Church Forgives Shooter Who Killed Two, Including Pastor

After two church employees were killed, the Diocese says it forgives the man police say was responsible.

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said in a proclamation that it forgives the man who shot one of its pastors and an employee before turning the gun on himself last Thursday.

Howard County police say they believe Douglas Franklin Jones, 56, shot . 

Brewington was pronounced dead at the scene -- in her office in -- and Kohn died several days later from her injuries. 

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Thursday evening from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A gun was found nearby. Police said Jones, who lived in a nearby campsite in the woods, was a frequent visitor at the church's food pantry who had recently become belligerent.  

In an "expression of support, condolence and hope in the midst of tragedy," the 228 Convention of the Diocese of Maryland wrote that in addition to Kohn and Brewington, the church

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 ... extends our forgiveness and prays for the repose of the soul of Douglas Jones, so that in our hearts grace may overcome bitterness, and love may conquer fear.

It also pledged to "recognize and address the needs" of the homeless and mentally ill.

According to its website, St. Peter's, formed in 1842, has a "long history of caring for the poor and needy in Howard County," beginning with the support it offered to the workers at Ellicott Mills.


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