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Franciscans are called to be witnesses for peace. We are called to be peacemakers. In this spirit Franciscan Action Network calls on all Franciscan-hearted people to support bi-partisan legislation in Congress to de-militarize America’s police forces.
Amidst the largely peaceful protests that have arisen across the nation in response to the police murder of George Floyd, police were seen dressed in combat gear, employing armored military vehicles, wielding an array of different assault weapons, and parading many other instruments of contemporary warfare.
The dangers facing police today should not be minimized. They must be equipped and properly trained to protect themselves as well as to provide a just and fair application of law. But, the symbolism of the military equipment in our cities is appalling. The United States is not a tin-pot dictatorship. These terrifying implements of warfare do not belong on our streets. Weapons of war have no appropriate use in the civil enforcement of law and the promotion of peace among our citizens.
Legislation calling for an end to the militarization of police departments has the support of leaders in both political parties. Conservatives and liberals alike support reversing the trend toward militarization. Several bills in both the House and Senate have already been introduced. Use this form to contact your Senators and Representatives urging they work to return police departments to civilian modes and material for law enforcement.
Bipartisan legislation, which both conservatives and liberals are supporting, has already been introduced in both the House and Senate. Send an email in support of legislation that aims to reverse the trend toward militarization.
We invite you to edit the form email messages to the right and personalize them with your own feelings.
Once you are happy with the messages, press the "Send Email" button at the bottom of the page. Your name will be added to the end of the email and your voice will be heard!
Thank you for raising your voice in support of peace!
Contact your local elected officials to host discussions about “civilian-izing” law enforcement in your community.
These changes need to happen locally as well as nationally. Contact the governor of your state and local legislators and urge them to return police departments to civilian modes and material for law enforcement.