The Rector of Norfolk Island is urging his community to turn back to God after two brutal killings.
The Rev John Reed is at the centre of the tight knit island struggling to come to grips with the first murders in living memory.
On Easter Sunday two years ago 29-year-old Sydneysider Janelle Patton was murdered after being last seen on her morning walk. The case remains a mystery " her killer has never been found, nor has a motive, witnesses or a weapon. It was the island's first murder in 148 years.
Then in July this year, Ivens Buffett, 60, the Island's Deputy Chief Minister, was gunned down in his office. His 25-year-old son has been charged with the killing.
"The hardest thing is people just think they know the gospel. It's been such a part of their history," he says. "The first murder reflected the fact that there's been a loss of innocence."
"When the latest murder happened, the family came to see me. People are at least asking, "have we lost our way?' The church's response is "yes " you need to reengage with God'."
Read more in December Southern Cross
