For Immediate Release: April 16th, 2021
Contact: Rosie Bryant | (317) 476-3552 | rosie@faithindiana.org
Rev. Richard Willoughby | (317) 341-5519
Indianapolis, IN. – In the wake of the murder of eight people by an armed gunman in Indianapolis last night, The Rev. Richard Willoughby, president of Faith in Indiana, a network of tens of thousands of faith leaders across race, faith, and geography committed to racial justice in Indiana and an affiliate of Faith in Action, released the following statement:
“As religious leaders from diverse faith traditions, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families forever transformed by this mass murder. We, and our communities, are also transformed. Condolences are not enough. Safety is possible for all of us. Governor Holcomb must go beyond thoughts and prayers and fund proven community based solutions to gun violence and pass gun safety laws this session.
“We don’t have to wait to make our communities safer. Indiana is about to receive a $5.85 Billion allocation as part of the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress. Governor Holcomb can choose to #FundOurLives and dedicate at least 5% to scale up Group Violence Intervention, the nation’s most effective strategy to reduce community gun violence, across Indiana’s cities.
“Most of us believe every person is worthy of safety and the ability to thrive, no matter if we are Black, white, or brown. For too long, legislators bought by the gun industry have refused to act to pass gun safety measures, a choice that took eight lives today. Governor Holcomb and his legislature has a moral responsibility to act now and pass gun safety laws and fund proven community based solutions that protect all Indiana families.”
Faith in Indiana community leaders and clergy are available for interviews, please contact lead organizer Rosie Bryant at (317) 476-3552 and rosie@faithindiana.org.
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Faith in Indiana is a catalyst for marginalized people and faith communities to act collectively for racial and economic justice in Indiana. Faith in Indiana and its chapters are strictly non-partisan and not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party.
Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
