More than 550 faith leaders have asked President Joe Biden to declare Mother’s Day an occasion for Americans to pray for an end to gun violence.

“While some may throw up their arms and say that this is a battle too large to win, we, an interfaith coalition, made up of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other faith traditions, remember the miracles of ancient times and remain optimistic that this scourge can be overcome,” said the signatories of the letter organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Signatories and leaders of the organization that seeks nonviolent alternatives to conflict say that legislation, in addition to prayers, is needed for the country to reach a new juncture in addressing gun violence. They thanked Biden for his signing of a March executive order that increased background checks before firearms sales and urged additional action in the wake of shootings that killed students and staff at a Tennessee school and employees of a Kentucky bank in recent months.

“We appeal to you to declare this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023, to be a national day of repentance, mourning, prayer, and reflection to address the culture of gun violence that is staining our collective soul,” their letter continues. “We ask for our lawmakers and faith institutions to reflect this Mother’s Day on how we are allowing gun manufacturers, the gun lobby, and a culture of gun worship to hold our country hostage.”

Recalling female figures in the Bible, they wrote of Mary, mother of Jesus, who “stood at the foot of the cross witnessing brutality, inhumanity, and death being inflicted on her child.” And, citing the courage of Queen Esther, the letter asked, “Will you squander the demand of this historical time, or go like Esther into the fury to save lives and people?”

Fellowship leaders also pointed out ties that have been found between Christian nationalism and opposition to gun control legislation.

— Adelle M. Banks in Faith Leaders Ask Biden to Mark Mother’s Day With Prayer Day Against Gun Violence