We won’t let this moment pass. Call today and use your actions to demand policy change.
We refuse to numb ourselves to the horrors of recent tragedies including those in Buffalo, N.Y.; Uvalde, Texas; and additional near-daily shootings in communities across our country. Sadly, we and our leaders have failed to respond to the call for common sense gun violence prevention legislation. Renew your cry of painful necessity to insist on bipartisan gun reform policy, and as you are able, be a visible presence in your communities allied in commitment to end senseless shootings.
CALL to push ACTION NOW
Call your Senator today from the Capitol Switchboard – 202-224-3121 – and ask them to support bi-partisan legislation to stop gun violence in our nation. Not sure who to ask for? Lookup from http://www.govtrack.us.
Using your own viewpoint, share: “I am from [your locality], and I support bi-partisan legislation to stop gun violence including stronger background checks, ending the sale of military-style rifles domestically, and laws that restrict access to guns for individuals who are at a higher risk of harming themselves or others.”
MARCH to propel CHANGE
This Saturday, June 11, 2022, presents opportunities to march in support of gun violence reform in our country, including one in Washington, D.C. and over 300 local marches elsewhere in the nation (see marchforourlives.com). “We’re marching on our nation’s capital just like we did in 2018” following the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Fla., says the site. “Show up, and demonstrate to our elected officials that we demand and deserve a nation free of gun violence.”
Following the 2018 tragedy, our ELCA Conference of Bishops wrote of young organizers:
| “Our children and youth are like a young Jeremiah prophesying to the people: ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11).” |
The body went on to “offer our support, partnership and prayers for the March for Our Lives, its satellite city events, and our children and youth who are leading us forward as peacemakers.” In 2022, we can do this again.
FAITHFUL RESPONSE
We have resolved as a church to work for the passage and strict enforcement of laws that control the manufacture and sale of weapons not used for hunting and sport, or for use other than law enforcement and military purposes (see ELCA social policy resolutions “Community Violence – Gun Control” and “Gun Violence Prevention”). After the school shooting in Uvalde, Tex., the ELCA’s statement (5/26/2022) said: “We join with others in pushing to stem the proliferation of guns in our streets, schools and communities, and to end the culture of violence that pervades our media and society.”
We begin with confession, as Lutheran Christians, of what we have done and left undone. And this confession brings us to action. Please call and march and not let this horrific moment pass without change.