Statement of Sisters of Bon Secours, USA on Trump Shooting

As women of healing, the Sisters of Bon Secours grieve the loss of life and the painful trauma suffered by those attending a political rally for former President Donald Trump this weekend. Violence, in all its forms, must be condemned. As the Vatican said, it “wounds people and democracy, causing suffering and death.” We are grateful the former president appears to be fine after the despicable attempt on his life. We grieve the death of former local fire chief Cory Comperatore, shot at the rally while trying to shield his family from gunfire. As women of faith, we have long taken a stand against all forms of violence. We mourn the loss of life everyday by gun violence, especially the deaths of innocent children.

During this time of palpable tension and uncertainty in our nation, let us instead look for what unites us by finding common ground in the power of prayer. For the leaders we support, and for those we don’t, that they may always take the peaceful path.

Throughout the election process, we invite all people of faith to spend a few moments in a virtual prayer vigil, as we pray for the discernment of delegates, voters, and elected officials; for peace and non-violence in the process of nomination and election; and the transformation necessary for each of us in this time of polarization and division. The vigil was created by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Click here for a link to the prayer vigil. 

Week of July 15-18 (Republican National Convention)
Opens: Monday, July 15 12:00 AM ET
Closes:  Thursday, July 18 11:59 PM ET

Week of August 19-22 (Democratic National Convention)
Opens: Monday, August 19 12:00 AM ET
Closes:  Thursday, August 22 11:59 PM ET

Week of November 4-6 (Days surrounding National Election)
Opens:  Monday, November 4 12:00 AM ET
Closes:  Wednesday, November 6 11:59 PM ET

Through our participation in Faiths United Against Gun Violence and other organizations advocating for gun safety, we call on our elected officials to immediately take up legislation that:

• requires universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods for all gun purchases;
• bans civilian ownership of high-capacity weapons and magazines; and
• makes gun trafficking a federal crime.

Through our membership in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility we challenge gun manufacturers to:

• issue a report on the companies’ activities related to gun safety measures and the mitigation of harm associated with their gun products
• monitor violent events associated with products produced by their companies
• research and produce safer guns and gun products.