Call for prayers of peace and consolation following political violence in Butler, Pa.

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From: The Provincial Elders’ Conferences, Moravian Church In America, Northern and Southern Provinces
RE: Violence Against Former President Trump in Butler, PA – July 13, 2024

In this difficult moment, we call upon all people to stand against violence in any form and lift prayers for peace and justice to bring a quick and peaceful conclusion to this event.  The attempt to bring harm against anyone is wrong.

We are grateful the former President was not harmed in a significant way and call upon everyone to join in prayer for his wellbeing and that of his family who have been impacted by this event.  We also offer prayers of consolation for those killed and wounded in this violent; may their families be surrounded by God’s grace in this terrible moment.

In the words of our Church Litany:

“Deliver us from the sins that lead to war and conflict and strengthen within us the will to establish righteousness and justice on the earth.” (p. 7, Moravian Book of Worship, 1995).

And in the words of our Liturgy of Intercession in Times of Crisis.

“We pray for those who are engaged in making important decisions in this time, for those who report on these events, and for those who shape public opinion. Give them the courage to speak out and the restraint to listen, that together we may discern the truth and hold aloft its light.” (p. 118, Moravian Book of Worship, 1995)

We especially call upon everyone to join in prayer for those for whom this event has caused great suffering and fear of further violence, and we pray for those who can make no sense of this violent action.  “Help them to turn to the One who embraces us in our lives – even Jesus Christ, who lived and suffered among us.” (p. 118, Moravian Book of Worship, 1995)