Chaplains are offering hope and comfort to the grieving community of Aurora after last week's deadly shooting in a cinema.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are on-site in the Colorado town, after 24-year-old James Holmes shot and killed 12 people during a premiere of the new Batman movie in a local theatre.

"Words can't begin to describe the pain of this situation," said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

"We are grieving alongside the families of those killed and wounded in this senseless and horrific tragedy."

Chaplains were already in Colorado responding to wildfires in and around Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.

Their presence in the area meant they were able to respond quickly to the Aurora shooting.

Prayer vigils were held in Aurora over the weekend and some churches changed their sermons to reflect the tragedy.

Mr Munday added: "Please pray for all of those who have been affected. We will be there to offer emotional and spiritual care, and the hope and compassion of Jesus Christ, in the aftermath."

The attack in the Century 16 theatre injured 58 people, some critically.

Holmes has admitted carrying out the attacks and remains in police custody, where he is being held in solitary confinement.