Yes, we must put an end to hateful rhetoric that has often become the norm. However just as forcefully, we as peacemakers must seek out ways to promote nonviolence and understanding. 34 Americans are dying each day due to Gun violence (8 of those are children), 180 Americans are wounded by guns each day, this must stop.
Recently there has been very little mention of GUNS: the role of guns in the numerous mass killings in the past decade. Newspapers around the country reflect an assumption that nothing will be done to curb gun violence…gun control advocates are mocked. It is true in the past decade the NRA has succeeded in derailing legislation to reduce gun violence. However, as Rachel Maddow recently pointed out in 1986 and 1988, while Ronald Reagan was president, three very important bills were passed reducing the threat of gun violence (no plastic guns, no cop killer bullets and no machine guns for personal use).
EPF would like to create an Gun Vio
lence Reduction Action Group/Network that would guide our work around reducing gun violence. We would like to explore three major ways that our chapters and members could work to reduce gun violence:
1. Legislatively to support the passage of sensible gun laws. Where does your state stand regarding sensible gun laws? check it out here (Mayors Against Illegal Guns),
2. Using an Economic Lever: Join the Valentine’s Day launch to Boycott Starbucks: The National Gun Victims Action Council is a network of gun violence victims, survivors, faith leaders and ordinary Americans using our economic leverage to enact gun laws that promote public safety, preserve the right of all Americans to the pursuit of life and liberty, and respect the legal gun owner’s Second Amendment right.;
3. With Gun Shops: Check out the work of PEACEMEALS in Golfstown, NH with EPF Vice Chair Bill Exner: HERE. EPF Baltimore chapter is working with Heeding God’s Call to have gun shops agree to a ‘Code of Conduct’ that includes background checks of gun buyers and employees of the gun shop.
We need your help, if gun violence has touched your life, if you are ready to get more involved in this nonviolence issue, please write to Jackie Lynn (EPF Executive Director) epfnational@ameritech.net.
PRAY: for
- An end to senseless gun violence;
- A new vision for our country where everyone is safe from gun violence;
- The 34 lives lost every day to gun violence and the 180 who are wounded with guns;
- The friends and families that must struggle every day to live without their loved ones lost to gun violence;
- The lives that will be touched by gun violence in the future; and
- Solutions that will make every community across this country safe for its citizens to work, live, and play without fear of being struck down by a bullet
STUDY:
Read the fact sheets and information from the Gun Victim’s Action Council, Heeding God’s Call, Mayor’s Against Illegal Guns, New York Times article on Mental Illness and Guns
TAKE ACTION:
Join the boycott of Starbucks on Valentine’s Day
Create a Peacemeals group in your community
Watch the kick-off video and follow the National Drive to Fix Gun Checks on Facebook and Twitter.
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
Mayors Against Illegal Guns A coalition of over 500 mayors of large cities and small towns are promoting sensible gun recommendations:
1.Fix the Background Check Gaps –
2.Share Information and Connect the Dots
3. Fill the Leadership Gap and Appoint an ATF Director – Is your town on the list?
Sign the Mayor’s Petition HERE Distribute Petition HERE
EPF Chapter Baltimore take action: Cathedral of the Incarnation,
The Very Rev. Hal Hayek (Cathedral of the Incarnation, Baltimore and EPF Peace Partner Congregation) preached at the Children of Light Interfaith Service on the Feast of the Holy Name at the beginning of 2011. During the year the Cathedral lights a candle for each child killed by violence, mostly gun violence. The candles remain on the children’s altar throughout the year. The congregation processed to retire the candles for the children killed in 2010 as they sadly prepare for those who may die by gun violence in 2011.
This EPF chapter has joined Heeding God’s Call: Baltimore.
