There are no words to bring back the brave & beautiful lives lost to this unspeakable hate crime. But we know—from Sandy Hook, Sutherland Springs, Oak Park, & Charleston—that love, hope, & faith always win.
But all that is needed for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. Our faith & history teach us that injustice must be met with action.
Common sense gun safety reforms would make an impact. Require universal background checks to keep people who are a danger to themselves or others from owning a firearm. Crack down on illegal gun purchases. Ban assault weapons.
We must speak out against hate & violence. Hold accountable those who seek to divide us based on what we look like, where we come from, how we worship, who we love, & which political party we belong to. That must be our resolve.
This tragedy calls for more than a day of platitudes from politicians. They must summon the courage & conviction to take action—action to fight gun violence & bring people together.
Tonight, we honor those who lost their lives & stand as one with their congregation. Tomorrow, we must act.
