Statement on Orlando mass shooting

“The Board of Directors of the Oregon Peace Institute wishes to convey our profound sympathies to all families and friends of all those hurt or murdered on June 11, 2016 in the Pulse establishment in Orlando, Florida.”

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Statement on Orlando mass shooting

Oregon Peace Institute
13 June 2016

The Board of Directors of the Oregon Peace Institute wishes to convey our profound sympathies to all families and friends of all those hurt or murdered on June 11, 2016 in the Pulse establishment in Orlando, Florida. Members of the Board know people in Orlando and have witnessed the pain, grief, and sorrow following the mass shootings in Oregon, as well. This national scourge of mass shootings must cease. We understand that mass shootings have complex causes, (psychological, social, and sometimes global), but reducing these acts to politically charged terms, like “terrorism” and “hate” escalates vengeful emotions that deny the spirit of compassion, modeled by Martin Luther King and other spiritual leaders. These events are not opportunities to increase our hatred for “haters” or so-called “terrorists.” Rather, this is a moment to affirm and celebrate human differences and diversity, whether religious, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other of the wonderfully diverse aspects of our common humanity. We want to issue a Call to Civility, where we practice patience with each other, as we learn that curiosity and true inclusivity is the best way to evolve toward a better future. We also want to express our deep opposition to the easy national access to weapons of war: automatic handguns and assault rifles that have no place, nor necessity, in any part of our society, hunting, or self-defense.

Founding President Robert J. Gould, Alison Allen-Hall, Patrick Hiller, Paloma Ayala Vela, Terri Shofner, Adam Vogal, Tom Hastings