Interfaith Alliance Calls on Faith Leaders and Lawmakers to Protect Communities from Gun Violence and Counter Hate

WASHINGTON — Following the tragic shooting during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance, offered condolences to the victims’ families and the broader community. He emphasized that preventing gun violence is imperative to protecting true religious freedom in the United States.

“Our hearts are with the community of Annunciation Catholic School and all of Minneapolis. Every person, regardless of who they are or what they believe, should be able to gather in prayer and send their children to school without fearing for their lives. Religious freedom is meaningless if families cannot safely practice their faith without fear of violence. 

“While law enforcement continues to investigate what led to such an unspeakable act of violence, it is abundantly clear from reports of the perpetrator’s own writings that the perpetrator held violent, hateful beliefs, including anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism. These extremist ideologies, rooted in white Christian nationalism, like the Great Replacement Theory, which was invoked by the perpetrator, create a climate where violence can flourish. 

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of prayer and the urgent need for action to address gun violence, the ideologies that inspire it, and the laws that enable it. Everyone deserves to be safe while exercising their faith, raising their children, and living their lives. Lawmakers must enact gun violence prevention legislation to protect our communities and ensure that every person can pray, learn, live, and love without fear.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Prapti Ajmera, pajmera@westendstrategy.com

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‍Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information, visit interfaithalliance.org.