Gun Violence Prevention
Members of the faith community have long advocated for sensible, responsible policies to end gun violence. In 1995, The UCC 20th General Synod passed a resolution entitled “Violence in Our Society and World,” in which it recognized the complicated and interwoven layers at the root of violence.
That same General Synod also passed a resolution entitled “Guns and Violence,” inviting UCC members and congregations to advocate for legislation to strengthen licensing and registration of gun sales, strengthen regulations of gun dealers and ban semiautomatic assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips.
The faith community has come together many times in the aftermath of gun tragedies to urge lawmakers to pass laws that prevent gun violence. Tested by our grief, resolute in our faith we remain committed to continuing this drumbeat.
Resources
- There is a lot you can do to advance gun safety legislation from home. Download our two-page guide for advocacy ideas.
- Take Action: Contact your legislators and urge them to support common sense bipartisan gun legislation
- Prayers addressing Gun Violence
- Take the steps in our Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy Toolkit
- Faith vs. Fear Bible Study. A faith response to gun violence
- Want to be a voice for change? Need help? Check out this guide written for faith and lay leaders to help them answer the tough questions and speak effectively about gun violence prevention!
News and Updates
‘End the cycle of violence,’ UCC officers pray after deaths in Texas school shooting – May 24, 2022
The three national officers of the United Church of Christ issued a prayer of grief after a gunman killed at least 19 children May 24 at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
Faith leaders rally in D.C. for gun safety as survivors demand action from Congress – June 9, 2022
UCC Advocates gather in D.C. as a part of a week of activism to persuade lawmakers that now is the time for responsible, commonsense gun safety legislation.
UCC officers pray for healing following racist killings at Buffalo grocery store – May 15, 2022
The national officers of the United Church of Christ have released a “prayer for healing and hope” after the murder of 10 people — an act of white supremacist terrorism — at a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y.
At General Synod 2017 – Youth voices lead the way on gun violence resolution – July 04, 2017
Guided in large part by the voices of youth, General Synod 2017 enthusiastically passed a resolution of witness urging the recognition of gun violence as a public health emergency deserving of federal funding for scientific research.
Commentary
- Channeling Rage – Commentary by Jessica Quinn, Online Communications Specialist, UCC Washington D.C. Office
- What Do We Say to These Things? – Commentary by Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade, Minister for Congregational Leadership Development and Granting & Scholarships, UCC
- Honoring Sacred Souls: The Shooting in Buffalo and the Image and Likeness of God – Commentary by Rev. Dr. Velda Love, Minister for Racial Justice and Lead for Join the Movement for Racial Justice
- Money still talks the loudest in gun violence debate – Op-ed by Rev. Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational UCC
- Why We Can’t Give Up on Preventing Gun Violence – Commentary by Sandy Sorensen, Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office
- Every Day is an Anniversary – Commentary by Sandy Sorensen, Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office
It is time to reclaim our streets, schools, and workplaces from the threat of gun violence, and it is time to reclaim the power of our vote from narrow special interests that seek to block even modest, common-sense measures to prevent gun violence. Our culture has a heavy investment in death; isn’t it time we invested in hope and change?
Sandy Sorensen, Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office
Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence
On Martin Luther King Day, January 17, 2011, 24 national faith groups announced the formation of “Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence,” a diverse coalition of denominations and faith-based organizations united by the call of our faiths to confront America’s gun violence epidemic and to rally support for policies that reduce death and injury from gunfire. Learn more about Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, and about our legislative priorities as a coalition, on their website.