Dear Faith Leader,

We represent the Leadership Council of Protect Minnesota’s Interfaith Alliance for Gun Safety, and we are writing to invoke your partnership in the critical calling of gun violence prevention as we approach an historic election.

As you are well aware, gun violence in our state and nation has increased exponentially, with injury and loss of life reported on a daily basis. People of faith and good conscience can no longer stand silent in the face of this threat, so we are hoping your faith organization will help us in this mission to save lives.

Specifically, we are requesting that you encourage your members to consider the issue of gun violence when they vote this November. Toward this end, we have prepared the following guide which we are asking you to insert in your next newsletter/bulletin or send in any form of group communication you choose.

HOW TO EDUCATE YOURSELF AS A VOTER AND TAKE ACTION TO HELP PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE:

1. INVESTIGATE WHICH MINNESOTA CANDIDATES WILL GOVERN WITH GUN SAFETY IN MIND IF ELECTED.

Research shows that Universal Background Checks and Red Flag Laws reduce gun violence. Go to: www.protectmn.org/resources/2020 Legislative Session.

Find out if your candidates support these gun safety measures by visiting these websites: www.protectmn.org/resources/orange star survey. Also check www.gunsensevoter.org.

2. KEEP CURRENT ON GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND OTHER ELECTORAL NEWS by visiting Protect Minnesota’s FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages.

3. VOTE EARLY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED AND TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO CORONOVIRUS, either by requesting and submitting an absentee ballot, or by voting in person. Visit: sos.state.mn.us and click on “Find County Election Office” to locate your early voting site. You can also visit your city government’s website to find in-person voting locations and information.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING JOINING US AND THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE FOR GUN SAFETY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE ROLE PEOPLE OF FAITH AS VOTERS CAN PLAY TO STEM THE TIDE OF GUN VIOLENCE. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

BLESSINGS AND PEACE, Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes, Lori Weissman, Barbara Fermon, Rev. Rolf E. Olson, Joan Riebel and Babar Khan

Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes/ronletnes@hotmail.com

Rev. Rolf Olson/rolfandnancy2@gmail.com