Yesterday in Butler, Pennsylvania, lives were lost and people–including a former president of the United States–were injured in a violent attack.

This day will be remembered for a very long time by those who were injured, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and those who were witness to the violence.

Also impacted are those of us who have seen the disturbing images on the news and social media. No matter the political views, we have all been shaken, bewildered, saddened, or even scared by what we witnessed.

Members of the Religious Society of Friends (also known as Quakers) know that violence has no place in our country, much less as a means of disrupting the democratic process. In no uncertain terms, we denounce this specific violent incident. We believe that there is that of God in everyone, even in the most contentious political landscape.

We seek to participate in, and co-create, a peaceful election process from this point forward. We believe that, led by Spirit, we can create communities where civil discourse is the norm and that violence can be interrupted early enough that those who consider it may have their hearts transformed by love.

We pray for the well-being of former President Trump and for the safety of all candidates in every election who have offered themselves for service to their communities. Peace can be a reality if, together, we create it.