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

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.

January 2013: A reflection on gun violence: Gun Violence: Advocate for Thoughtful, Nuanced Policy.

January 29, 2013  Interfaith Day of Action to Prevent Gun Violence Take action! Call or write your elected officials and ask them to address gun violence by reinstating the the expired assault weapons ban, instituting universal background checks, and banning high-capacity ammunition magazines.   "Given the number of our children and young folks who are dying not only in Newtown, Connecticut, but in Chicago, Illinois, on the street, in Detroit on the street and in New Orleans on the street," Delk said, "it is time for a moral outrage at the death of our children and our young, a moral dialogue that will have us strategizing for what we can do to stop the culture of violence, and moral action to address both the public policy and the programs that are needed to interrupt this violence trend in these United States. The time is now, and it's urgent."

January 2013: In the context of the horrific shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, the UCC Justice & Witness Ministries has signed on with many of our partners to this excellent statement: Police in Schools Are Not the Answer to the Newtown Shooting.

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.