Official Statement on Political Violence

In his first inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln said, “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.”

This sentiment stands the test of time as a guidepost for a peaceful society.

A commitment to peacemaking is the foundation for a healthy society that champions a variety of political values and ideals. From coast to coast, the range of life experience and thought within the United States of America is remarkable. Our culture is a conglomeration of wide-ranging ideas and priorities resulting from the diverse experiences of our population. We are each informed by our unique perspectives and have the power to elect people to represent our interests in government. The U.S. government is designed to allow input and then, through compromise and collaboration, create a system and society that benefits the most people.

A refusal to adhere to the basic tenets of peacemaking threatens our constitutional system. Violent responses to differences of opinion endanger the safety and stability of our communities. Hateful language and threats of political violence spread fear and stifle participation in democracy. People of integrity may resign from office or never choose to run in order to protect their families from threats and retribution. 

As leaders and members of Mormon Women for Ethical Government, we condemn political violence — it is unacceptable in any form. It threatens our way of life and undermines the strength of our country. When peaceful, democratic society is threatened, outside countries can take advantage of our weakness for their benefit.

Words are powerful. Hateful rhetoric can stir up anger and violent behavior among individuals and groups. While most people won’t participate in violence, the constant repetition of hateful speech desensitizes us and affects our perceptions of others, our justification of violent reactions, and our own peace of mind. Repeated lies and false claims of conspiracy fuel political rancor, undermining peace and justifying unethical behavior or policies. Objective truth and facts exist. Responsible citizens make the effort to discern between facts and lies or misrepresentations. Good policy stems from a factual basis. 

Politicians and pundits often use violent or threatening rhetoric because outrage and fear draw attention and create a society that is easy to manipulate for their own purposes. True democracy requires legitimate discourse and collaboration without hate and without fear of ideas.

President Dallin H. Oaks has said that “we peacefully accept the results of elections. We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome. In a democratic society we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election.” 

We expect our leaders to swiftly condemn anyone inciting violence or retribution. The use of stereotypes and generalizations, scapegoating or placing blame, and dehumanizing language is unacceptable. We should not support leaders who aim to seize power by force. Legitimate democratic change happens through established, peaceful means. 

Positive peace is constructive, seeking to build rather than destroy. We can engage with our political opposition, build bridges of understanding, and love our neighbors. We can be peacemakers.