Our statement was sent to local media, dioceses where our sisters minister, legislators and the young people of Parkland, FL.

“We, the Leadership of the United States Province Sisters of Divine Providence [Kentucky], grieve the loss of life through gun violence in Parkland, Florida and in countless other cities and towns across this nation.

We are horrified at all senseless deaths but especially of children and young persons.

We call for respectful dialogue in churches, civic centers, states, and in Congress about the proliferation of guns and pervasive violence in our culture.

We believe that together we can find ways to stop the killing.

We challenge our elected officials to immediately take up legislation that:

• requires universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods for all gun purchases
• requires universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods for all gun purchases
• bans civilian ownership of high-capacity weapons and magazines, and
• makes gun trafficking a federal crime.

We commend the young people of Parkland for taking up the important work of gun violence prevention.

We stand with them in their efforts to put an end to violence and follow a path to peace.

We place ourselves willingly in the hands of Divine Providence so that we may be instruments of peace and nonviolence on Earth.

We call upon all people of faith and good will to join us in prayer and action.

Sr. Alice Gerdeman, CDP, Provincial Superior

Sr. Barbara Rohe, CDP, Vicar

Sr. Margaret Verhoff, CDP, Councilor

Sr. Lucy Zientek, CDP, Councilor

Sr. Margaret Stallmeyer, CDP, Treasurer”