Five ways to address violence related to guns
MCC grieves the recent and continuation of mass shootings in the U.S. Please join us in praying for the families and communities affected. We also invite you to engage with these resources as we continue to advocate for nonviolence and peace in the U.S. and worldwide.
1. Address policy
Call your members of Congress (Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121 or visit our U.S. advocacy webpage and scroll all the way to the bottom of the page where it says “find officials”). Share your personal story and ask for specific policy change – for example, universal background checks or a ban on assault weapons. Learn more on our website about how to advocate and the Biblical basis of gun violence advocacy and take steps toward deeper engagement in political advocacy.
2. Let’s talk about it
"A loaded conversation: an invitation to talk about guns," is a conversation guide that will help people talk together and listen to each other as they discuss different perspectives of violence related to guns.
3. Think theologically
MCC U.S. and RAWtools have partnered on a Sunday School curriculum, FEAR NOT, that will help congregations live nonviolence during times of active violence.
4. Preach it
Included in the guide, "A loaded conversation: an invitation to talk about guns," are theological resources that can be useful for church leaders of all theological perspectives as they prepare to preach about violence related to guns. Worship resources are also included.
5. Think big, start small
Support local initiatives that reduce violence in your area both with policy change and practical support. Reach out to RAWtools to learn more about their gun to garden tool program, the disarming network and non-violence workshops. You may also contact Jes Stoltzfus Buller, MCC U.S.’s peace education coordinator by email, jessicabuller@mcc.org, or by phone, 574-534-4133.
Top photo caption: Young Adult Peacebuilders Training participants visit RAWtools, an MCC partner that forges guns into garden tools, to learn about transforming violence. In the workshop, participants observe the forge and take their hand at pounding on the hot metal to create a tool of peace from a tool of violence. MCC photo/Christy Kauffman
