We are deeply anguished by recent events. The outpouring of pain, frustration and anger expressed by so many emanates from those who have long-suffered the scourge of intolerable discrimination and injustice. Our thoughts and prayers are for families who have lost loved ones, for those who labor to right wrongs and bridge divides, and for the strength, wisdom and love to heal our communities and country.
We hear the resounding voices of peaceful protesters and honor their right to demand the attention of our leaders and nation. We recognize that, most importantly, we must endeavor to listen and understand, and that doing so requires us to pause, reflect, grapple with uncomfortable realities, and search our consciences.
Read the full message from GPF International President Jim Flynn and Executive Board Member Alan Inman.
Our nation is at a critical turning point; the anguish of this moment can be the impetus for enduring positive change. That requires taking action. While legislative and policy changes are necessary, they are not the most essential. Laws and regulations can restrict behavior, but cannot compel us to respect each other. The most important laws are of the moral kind, as in “love thy neighbor, as thyself.”
That every person has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a self-evident truth. Every human being has intrinsic value endowed by God, and as such we all share the same spiritual heritage. All people – beyond all differences of ethnicity, race, or station in life – belong to the human family. We are one human family because we originate from the same Source; we are one family under God.
May “we the people” seize this moment to come together, starting person to person. If we strive to see and treat each other as a brother or a sister, we can spark a great awakening that can heal our nation and benefit the entire human family.
This page will highlight stories of such leadership across the nation that are lighting our way forward.