July
6, 2016
Dear
Representative,
As
leaders of faith communities from across the United States we are deeply
concerned about the lack of progress by the United States Congress in
addressing the epidemic of gun violence. As the days, months, and years go by
without any action taken, more mass shootings occur and the needless loss of
life continues. We are writing to demand that action be taken that prevents any
further loss of life to gun violence. And we want that action to be effective.
Effective legislation to prevent gun violence should include:
- Universal background checks on every
gun purchase,
- A ban on all high-capacity weapons
and ammunition magazines. There is no legitimate self-defense or sporting
purpose for these military-style, high-capacity weapons and magazines
whose only purpose is to kill large numbers of people in a short amount of
time.
Though
we are a diverse coalition of denominations and faith-based organizations
representing tens of millions of Americans, we are united by the call of our
faiths to confront America’s gun violence epidemic and to rally support for
policies that reduce death and injury from gunfire.
Virginia
Tech, Tucson, Oak Creek, Aurora, Santa Clara, Fort Hood, Newtown, San
Bernadino, Charleston, and now Orlando. The number of cities with mass
shootings spreads across the states in our nation and fills our hearts with
tremendous sorrow for the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, as well as anger
that these tragedies continue without any Congressional leadership being taken.
We cannot stand by silently while the Congress does nothing.
The
families experiencing these unimaginable losses are in our congregations. We
grieve with them and pray for healing for the constant wounds they continue to
feel. But we also share their determination to do all within our power to
ensure that these tragedies never happen again. No more time can be wasted. Gun
violence is taking an unacceptable toll on our society, in mass killings and in
the senseless deaths happening every day. It is long past time for action.
Public
support for these measures is overwhelming. The time for merely offering
thoughts and prayers without necessary action is over. We need you to take
action. We look forward to working with you to enact these common-sense
measures to reduce gun violence. Our prayers are with you, our support is
behind you. It is time for you to lead.
Sincerely,
Conference
of Major Superiors of Men
Disciples
Center for Public Witness
Dominican
Sisters
Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
Faith
Action Network – Washington State
Franciscan
Action Network
Friends
Committee on National Legislation
Heeding
God's Call to End Gun Violence
Islamic
Society of North America
JPIC
of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
Justice,
Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Priests of the Sacred Heart, US Province
Kentucky
Council of Churches
Leadership
Conference of Women Religious
Mennonite
Central Committee U.S. Washington Office
Missionary
Oblates of Mary Immaculate-Justice & Peace Office
National
Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Council of Churches, USA
National Council of Churches, USA
NETWORK
Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Pax
Christi USA
Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.)
Provincial
Council of the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians).
Sisters
of Mercy of the Americas’ Institute Justice Team
The
United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
The
Xaverian Brothers
T'ruah;
The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
Unitarian
Universalist Association
United
Church of Christ, Justice & Witness Ministries.
