HARRISONBURG, Va -- Father Daniel Robayo at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Harrisonburg is not letting last weekend's event affect his church service.

"Not let a terrible event shape what one does all the rest of the time. Just as we don't stop flying because somebody did something horrible with airplanes," said Father Robayo.

His congregation accepts the risks.

"We recognize that nowhere is safe, and we want to be an open place that welcomes everyone," said Linell Moss who works in the church's office.

Father Robayo said this event can prove how powerful love is.

"You change the way you live because of something like that, then hatred has the last word, and we don't believe that. We believe love has the last word," said Father Robayo.

He said every religion values and treasures other lives and that respect for every human being is at the core of all major religions.

"People who use the name of a religion to try to harm others, are not being true to that religion."

There may also be some lessons to learn.

"Be more open and supportive of different faiths, and learn more about them, so there is less prejudice and hatred," said Moss.

The church wants to remain open and welcoming of everyone.

"A core belief for us is that God loves everybody. And there are no exceptions," said Robayo.

Another issue that has come up is allowing guns in church. According to Virginia law, you can have a gun as long as you have a concealed weapons permit. However, places of worship do have the right to ban weapons.

 Follow Amelia Nahmias on Facebook.

© Copyright 2013 WHSV / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.