Gun Violence
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.
- Prayers addressing Gun Violence
- 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!
Updates
Traci Blackmon: How are the children?
February 16, 2018
The Rev. Traci Blackmon asks, “How are the children?” A question that seeks to reframe the conversation around serious gun control.
UCC leaders grieve, urge activism after another deadly school shooting in South Florida
February 15, 2018
UCC leaders believe it’s past time to stand up to the gun lobbies and advocate for Jesus’ way of peace after another deadly school shooting in South Florida.
UCC general minister and president responds to grief of a community, nation, after Las Vegas shooting
October 02, 2017
The leader of the United Church of Christ, saddened and sickened over the loss of life in a mass shooting Sunday night in Las Vegas, offers prayers for those killed, the injured, their families, the first responders, and those who continue to provide physical and pastoral care in that community.
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.
Money still talks loudest in gun violence debate
Op-ed by Rev. Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational UCC
Commentary: Why We Can’t Give Up on Preventing Gun Violence
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.
Commentary: Every day is an anniversary
Aurora and Oak Creek made headlines, but the painful truth is that every single day on the calendar is the anniversary of the terrible toll of gun violence, somewhere in America, whether or not it makes the nightly news.
Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence
The UCC’s former General Minister and President, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, joined 42 other faith leaders in writing a a letter asking President Obama and members of Congress to, “do everything possible to keep guns out of the hands of people who may harm themselves or others.” The letter supports background checks for those who intend to buy a gun and demands legislation outlawing high capacity weapons and ammunition clips. The letter also declares that gun trafficing should be made a federal crime.