At FCNL, we are dismayed and heartbroken by the recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. We hold him, those killed and wounded, and all those affected by this traumatic event in the Light. This event is part of an ongoing rise of politically related violence in our country that threatens us all. We must urgently de-escalate.
In the face of this abhorrent act, we reaffirm our belief as Quakers that there is that of God in everyone. We are called to love our neighbors without exception. Our democracy holds the promise of a country united through common values, collaborative decision-making, and nonviolent conflict transformation. This is still possible. The world we seek is still in the making.
Our country is at a critical moment. We may see more violence and the unraveling of our democracy if steps are not taken to reduce partisan polarization, prevent violence and extremism, rebuild civil discourse, and protect our democratic institutions and processes.
Change is always possible. Our country has lived through other moments of great peril before and found our common future together. We know we can do so again.
As people of faith, we must not lose hope. There are many things that we can do to ensure peaceful elections. Please visit our 2024 elections site for a list of resources and opportunities that we and our partners offer. Religion News Service recently wrote about how people of faith are working to de-escalate violence and ensure a peaceful election.
In times like this, we must remind ourselves that democracy and peace remain ours to build. Now is not the time to allow fear to divide us further.
Now is the time, more than ever, to love our neighbors, no exceptions.