Statement on Gun Violence – Twin Cities Friends Meeting

Statement on Gun Violence 8-13-19

Twin Cities Friends Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) unites with our national Quaker advocacy organization, Friends Committee on National Legislation, in calling for common-sense legislation to curb the gun violence in the United States. According to FCNL, “As Quakers, we believe that there is that of God in every person. We seek a society where everyone can fully live to their potential; the scourge of gun violence prevents far too many people from doing so. ” ( Creating a Peaceful Society by Reducing Gun Violence)

We unite with FCNL’s response to recent events, including three mass shootings in one week: “We are saddened by the terrible carnage of mass shootings and other forms of violence that results in the deaths of approximately 100 people every day in our country. We are angered by the rise of militarized hate in our nation, and the unwillingness of our leaders to act. And we are resolved in our belief that the power of Love and the force of Truth can make change in this country. We must change our laws and our culture to end the scourge of gun violence in all its forms.” ( Now is the Time for Prayer and Action) We call upon all citizens and leaders to reject and work to counter the rhetoric and activity that fuel many of today’s mass shootings, including xenophobic and white supremacist movements and rhetoric, and to confront the role of guns in other forms of violence, including domestic violence.

In support of this effort to curb gun violence, we urge concerned community members to contact congressional offices to encourage them to support universal background checks, red flag laws, and funding to address this public health problem. More background information and resources for lobbying are found at the FCNL site on gun violence.

Twin Cities Friends Meeting
1725 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 5510