With the recent tragedy of the shooting that took place at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh in which 11 people died, religious leaders of all faiths are continuing to share their reactions.

Pastor Julie Poulsen of the Jefferson First United Methodist Church says her initial reaction when she heard about the shooting was sadness and feeling horrified that something like that happened. She says the level of evil in today’s world is “shocking” and “terrifying.” However, out of that tragedy, Poulsen points out moments of inspiration from Muslims in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of the synagogue that collected money for the victims’ families, to prayer vigils held in Des Moines.

Poulsen encourages everyone to come together in these dark times and not only pray, but go beyond the act of prayer.

“Just say no to the racism, and the violence, and the lack of mental health care that exists right now in our society. There’s just not enough, I don’t know what, awareness, or care, or something to help these deeply troubled people that are resulting to violence. It’s just a scary time and it’s a worry.”

And when incidents like what happened last weekend, or anytime there’s a school shooting, Poulsen says the question of safety comes to mind for some people.

“I know a lot of the secretaries of a lot of the churches of different denominations have been going to trainings and we pastors have been getting emails of instructions of what to do if there is an active shooter in our buildings. It’s just hard to fathom.”

Poulsen notes that the Methodist church is open during the day for anyone to come and pray in their sanctuary or seek religious counseling.