In the coming days, there will be many questions about the who and why of the devastating tragedy in Orlando. What is not in question is how. Another hate-filled rampage made infinitely easier to execute because of a gun.
And so, again, we call on people of faith to hold those killed, injured, or otherwise harmed in the light. Pray for all affected by this horrific act.
Pray for Orlando and our nation where easy and swift access to firearms continue to hold more value than human life.
Pray for our LGBTQ sisters and brothers who, both in words and actions, continue to endure unimaginable attacks.
Pray for our Muslim sisters and brothers who will, again, face harsh and unfair stereotypes related to their faith tradition.
Pray that we can re-focus our attention on unity and justice rather than on division.
Pray for peace.
Since last fall, the NC Council of Churches has been working with a broad coalition of partners in an effort to become better advocates for reasonable, common sense gun laws. In collaboration with groups including North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, MomsRising.org, Moms Demand Action, and the NC Justice Center, we will continue that effort.
On the weekend of June 17-19, we are calling on faith communities across North Carolina to remember the shooting victims of Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the one-year anniversary of their murders. May we also remember all who have died and who suffer as a result of gun violence.
For information about the Stand Up Sabbath and for resources to help your house of worship become involved, go here.
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