Christian Reflection and Prayer

Last year, Trayvon Martin was stalked and killed.
Last week, a jury in Florida decided there would be
no consequences for the man who shot him. Why?
The jury was instructed to consider the implications
of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which
encourages gun owners to use deadly force when
they feel threatened rather than removing themselves
from harm’s way.

At least one juror has said the law was decisive in
determining that George Zimmerman was “not guilty”
of murdering Trayvon Martin.

Following Jesus’ call to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9),
we must stand OUR ground against laws that legitimize
violence and enable the taking of lives without fear of
consequence.

More than 20 states have enacted “Stand Your Ground”
laws that threaten the safety of our communities and
neighbors by increasing the likelihood of violence. In a
culture where racism still runs deep and states have
enacted concealed carry laws, the results can be deadly.

“Blessed are the peacemakers” is a core tenet of our
faith. Help bring peace to our communities by calling
on state governors to overturn these dangerous laws.

“Stand Your Ground” laws ignore the biblical call to
peacemaking, encouraging us to harm others when
nonviolent alternatives exist. While nothing can undo
the tragedy of Trayvon Martin’s killing, we can prevent
future injustices by repealing “Stand Your Ground” laws.

In faith,
Lisa, Beau, Janelle, and the rest of the Sojourners team