Official Statement on Political Violence and Positive Peace
- MWEG
- Jun 4
- 1 min read
The leaders and members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government are committed to proactive and courageous peacemaking. We believe we are all children of God, and we respect every human being with the love and care that relationship demands. Our hearts are heavy as we hear of violent actions in our own nation. Much of this violence is not isolated but connected to a rising tide of intolerance, heated political rhetoric, and hate speech. Behind these individual acts is often an intent to silence free expression and dehumanize particular groups — scaring them and causing them to shrink from public life.
These things ought not to be.
Violence does not bring justice. It deepens pain and suffering. It intensifies hate. We must resist the urge to return hate with hate or violence with more violence. That will further divide our nation. Although politicians, influencers, and individuals will sometimes exploit political, religious, and ethnic differences to drive us apart, we can choose a better way.
We mourn those who are lost, and we can best honor their memory by continuing to promote positive peace. As individuals, we must do our part to build bridges of understanding, heal divides, and stand against incivility and violence. When others are threatened, we can speak out forcefully in their defense and extend a hand of authentic friendship and protection. Our nation will thrive in peace as we view one another with dignity and humanity. We must not forget that this peace is always within our reach. It is up to us to build it.