We are horrified and deeply saddened by the killing of political commentator Charlie Kirk on Wednesday. We are holding all of his loved ones in the Light.
This is not the way. In the wake of this traumatic act of political violence, we are called to sound the alarm over the dangerous direction our nation is heading, and to reflect on what we must do — as individuals and collectively — to help change course toward a better future.
The assassination of Kirk is part of a frightening escalation of political violence, including the horrific killing of Democratic Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in June.
This surging political violence threatens all of us. It must be urgently de-escalated. Doing so will not be easy, and we don’t have all the answers. But we must challenge our elected officials, ourselves, and each other to recognize the gravity of this moment, and to act with moral courage to help make real change.
That means rejecting all political violence, no matter the target or perpetrator. It means loving our neighbors — no exceptions — even when it feels difficult to do so. It means holding strong to empathy and seeing the common humanity in one another.
We must also confront the broader epidemic of gun violence that continues to take an unacceptable toll in our country. We reiterate our calls for a national assault weapon ban and for long-overdue action to reduce the accessibility of guns in our society.
None of this is to say that we should stop speaking out to oppose the many injustices we are seeing in our society, including the deep harms caused to so many by the Trump administration’s policies.
What’s needed now more than ever is a rejuvenation of civic engagement in the spirit of compassion and solidarity. To build the more just, peaceful, and inclusive democracy we seek, all of us must be able to make our voices heard without fear. Political violence is a direct threat to our democratic process.
While it can be easy to feel powerless in moments like these, each of us can play a role in building this better future.
Our full statement: Political Violence is a Grave Threat to Us All. We Must Change Course
Elsewhere
24 Years After 9/11, Congress Takes Positive Step Toward Ending Endless Wars
This week marked the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We honor and mourn all of those who died on that terrible day, as well as the hundreds of thousands of people killed, wounded, and displaced in the wars that followed.
Today, the legacy and harms of the “War on Terror” continue to endure. As we’ve long advocated, it’s essential that Congress close the chapter on this era of endless wars, beginning with finally repealing the post-9/11 war authorizations (AUMFs).
This week, we saw good news in that effort, with the House voting to repeal 2002 Iraq AUMF in a strong bipartisan vote as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). We urge the Senate to follow suit, and for congressional leaders to ensure the repeal is included in the final version of the bill.
Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Foreign Aid Cuts
Foreign aid is under further attack by Congress and the administration. As FCNL’s Ursala Knudsen-Latta explained, the House Appropriations Committee passed spending legislation that would cut over $13 billion for aid and diplomacy — a 22% cut from current levels.
This comes as a federal court ruled that President Trump’s effort to rescind another $5 billion in congressionally appropriated foreign aid for this fiscal year is illegal.
As Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2) reminded us this week at our Interfaith Working Group on Foreign Assistance Congressional Fly-In, “Nothing good happens around here without good people demanding it.” Join us in urging the Senate to protect foreign aid and diplomacy!
Israeli Strike in Qatar Underscores Urgent Need for Accountability
On Tuesday, the Israeli military carried out a strike in Qatar’s capital Doha, killing six people from a Hamas delegation who were set to engage in U.S.-supported talks for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.
This outrageous and reckless strike further escalates regional violence and undermines the prospects for peace. Congress and the Trump administration must hold the Israeli government accountable and halt the flow of offensive weapons now.
FCNL Advocacy Teams Turn 10!
Senators Tim Kaine (VA) and Peter Welch (VT) joined members of our Advocacy Teams across the country to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments we’ve made together over the decade since the program was founded.
During the call, we debuted a new video telling the story of this progress. If you are part of an Advocacy Team already, THANK YOU for your work. If you’re not, we’d love to help you join or start one today.
Looking towards the next 10 years (in 2035), we’re recruiting monthly donors to give $20.35 per month — though any amount is welcome. You can sign up as part of this campaign here!
