Four years after Sandy Hook, the “Second Commandment Crisis” continues

In the four years since 20 little children and six adults were murdered by an unstable young man with a gun at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the worst crime in Connecticut history, the Newtown community continues to try to recover from this act of unfathomable violence. Since Dec. 14, 2012, many people, like the Rev. Matt Crebbin, senior minister of the Newtown Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, are channeling their pain into becoming agents of change by working and advocating for responsible gun control legislation. As Crebbin points out, “It’s not a second amendment issue, it’s a second commandment crisis.”

In a message marking this somber anniversary, the Rev. Traci Blackmon, acting executive minister of UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, said, “There is no pathway to peace that is paved with guns. Peace is only possible when the weapon we choose is love.” Read her reflection, ‘Remembering Sandy Hook with Responsible Gun Legislation.‘

This week faith communities around the country are observing the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath. Check out these tools and ideas for engaging your congregation and consider how you can work to end gun violence in your community.