For Immediate Release: July 14, 2024
Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, scstraw@westendstrategy.com, 202-674-5921

WASHINGTON – The largest faith-based organizing network is condemning all forms of violence, including political violence, and urging a peaceful path forward following the apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of Faith in Action, in a statement, called on his fellow people of faith to join him in being forces for peace and depolarization in this time of uncertainty: 

“Violence in all forms is unacceptable. As people of faith, we offer our prayers for former President Trump’s healing, for the families robbed of loved ones, those who were injured and all who were traumatized by yesterday’s apparent attempted political assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. 

“Our prayers, however, don’t end there. They are with everyone impacted by violence from Butler to streets and communities across America and around the world, including Gaza, Sudan and Haiti. 

“Thoughts and prayers truly matter and my own tradition teaches that faith must include works. We all must choose to take action in pursuit of a more peaceful path forward. When atrocities like this happen, we should also recommit to banning assault weapons. We urge political leaders to not use the events in Butler to further polarize us and risk more violence, but instead commit to work together toward a common goal of improving lives of all people, untangling webs of injustice and removing weapons of war from our streets. 

“Christian holy scripture tells us ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ and if ever there was such a time for peacemakers it is now. I call on my fellow people of faith to stand in the gap and to be a force for healing and peace in this time of uncertainty and fear.”

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