A pastoral letter on the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump

Greetings in the hope we have in Christ,

I write to remember the vision of Jesus in light of the recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. We remember that Jesus counseled disciples to turn their cheek to let the violence end with them instead of increasing cycles of retribution. Jesus chose death on a cross rather than suggest the universe could be redeemed with violence.

We pray for all those who have been harmed by this, including the former president, those who suffer related to the loss of life, those fighting for their lives, the shooter's family, and the public. Chicago and the rest of our nation suffer the consequences of gun violence. May our language and action point those in our span of care to the vision and commitments of Jesus. We pray for a safe and discerning season as we enter into this election cycle.

More than this: we pray for the peaceable reign of Christ.

Thank you.

Peace,

Dan Schwerin, Bishop
Northern Illinois Conference UMC