A Lutheran pastor in Newtown, Conn., apologized today for taking part in an interfaith vigil after December’s mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

The Rev. Rob Morris’ apology came after The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod reprimanded him, for giving the closing benediction at a Dec. 16 service that included Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, among others. His participation inadvertently gave the impression he was involved in joint worship with clergy from other religions, the church said. The denomination bars joint worship because it doesn’t want to appear to mix its beliefs with those of other faiths.