More than 3,300 makeshift grave markers on the National Mall commemorating the lives lost to gun violence since the shooting in Newtown, Conn.
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.
UPDATES
Gun-Control Groups Mark Newtown Anniversary with Lobbying Efforts Gun-control advocates—including some relatives of children killed in the December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary—will travel to Washington this week to lobby lawmakers on the six-month anniversary of the attack. White House aides said that President Obama is not scheduled to hold any gun-related events this week or to issue additional executive orders on the issue, but likely will acknowledge the milestone. A number of groups will stage an event in front of the Capitol on Thursday June 12, 2013. Mark Glaze the Director of Mayors Against Illegal Guns said his group will launch a summer bus tour from Newtown, Conn., on Friday June 13, 2013. Read more.
April 11, 2013: Newtown clergy begins vigil on the National Mall for victims of gun violence The Rev. Matt Crebbin of Newtown Congregational UCC and fellow Newtown clergy are standing for the thousands who have fallen victim to gun violence. Joined by leaders of faith organizations in a 24-hour vigil, they are calling on Congress to vote on gun-violence prevention legislation.
March 14, 2013: Police violence in Cleveland, Ohio cries out for further investigation. Read this Witness for Justice column,137 Shots.
On January 26, 2013, members of First Church UCC in Washington, DC joined thousands of advocates, many holding signs with names of gun violence victims and messages such as “Ban Assault Weapons Now,” in a rally for gun control, marching from the Capitol to the Washington Monument.
January 15, 2013: The UCC's 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.
Video: Califonia Teens Demand a Plan to End Gun Violence
Rev. Sala W. J. Nolan Minister for Criminal Justice and Human Rights Program Team Based in Cleveland, Ohio Justice And Witness Ministries 700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland,Ohio 44115 216-736-3716 nolans@ucc.org
Ms. Sandra Sorensen Director of Washington Office Program Team Based in Washington, DC Justice And Witness Ministries 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington,District of Columbia 20002 202-543-1517 sorenses@ucc.org
