Ending Gun Violence: Our Call to Peace 

In a groundbreaking public statement, the Surgeon General has declared firearm violence in this country a public health crisis. Sharing numerous alarming statistics about firearm violence, Dr. Vivek Murthy outlined strategies for firearm and violence prevention, focusing on the health and well-being of children, youth, families and communities. You can read the full report here.  

The United Church of Christ has long called for action to address firearm violence. In 1995, General Synod 20 passed a resolution calling on the UCC to become involved in ending violence in our society and in the world. Another resolution passed that year called for stronger legislation to curb firearm violence. In 2017, GS 31 passed a resolution declaring firearm violence a public health emergency. And in 2023, GS 34 passed a resolution lifting up ministries like Guns to Gardens, Safe Storage Giveaways and Firearm lock giveaways as examples of successful programs that churches, associations and conferences could organize. Congregations such as the Community United Church of Christ in Boulder, CO have faithfully taken up the cause by creating community space and hosting events to transform trauma by getting guns off the streets. 

The surgeon general’s declaration emphasizes what most of us already know: firearm violence touches virtually everyone in this country and has tragic and long-lasting effects. Now we must do something about it! Who you vote for matters when it comes to preventing firearm violence.  

We are called to research candidates for elected office to see where they stand on firearm policies and support those who address safety and prevention. We can also support specific legislation calling for:  

• Safe firearm storage and child access prevention;
• Universal background checks and expand purchaser licensing laws; 
• Firearm removal policies (often labeled ERPO or DVPO) for those with domestic violence convictions and those who may be at risk of harming themselves or others;
• Bans on assault weapons and large‑capacity magazines for civilian use;
• Safer conditions in public places related to firearm use and carry;
• Safety standards for firearms that treat them like other consumer products;  
• Opportunities for disposal of unwanted guns.  

Preventing firearm violence also calls us to demand: 

• Increased access to affordable, high‑quality mental health care, substance use treatment, and other trauma‑informed resources  
• Enhanced safety measures and mental health resources in learning settings for children and adolescents. 

You can also educate yourself and your congregation on issues related to violence in general and firearm violence specifically.  

• Organize a study group in your congregation to learn more  
• Learn non-violence skills  
• Read and discuss Beating Guns: Hope for People who are Weary of Violence 

Here are some UCC resources on ways to advocate:

• Advocate to End Gun Violence: An Advocacy Guide 
• Opportunities for Change: Advocate to End Gun Violence in Your Community  
• Host a Guns to Gardens or Safe Gun Storage Giveaway event in your community   

Our faith calls us to work for peace and to dismantle the systems and constructs that lead to violence. As people of peace, we cannot accept firearm violence as the norm. We cannot conform to this painful pattern of violence. As people of faith, we can no longer be satisfied with being “just another stat.” And though it may be easy to be overwhelmed with the complexity and scope of firearm violence prevention, we MUST do something. You can start by using your vote to support candidates, ballot measures, and initiatives that take steps to prevent violence in all of its forms.  

God, our refuge, our guide, our strength, we are weary of violence, death and destruction due to the widespread use of firearms. Ease our troubled minds and hearts and bring comfort to those who have experienced loss or injury due to the use of a firearm. We know you cry with us and that you call us to peace, to transform swords into plowshares for the good of all. Guide us as we take our despair and transform it into hope, votes and action to bring peace and justice in this time and place. Amen.