Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence

10/01/2025

As faith leaders, we denounce all forms of political violence.

Just this year alone, our country mourned the horrific assassinations of Charlie Kirk in Utah, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman in Minnesota, and just last week, the shooting at the ICE facility in Dallas, TX. Our hearts break for the victims and their families.

Today, we write because we are deeply concerned by the escalating frequency of acts of violence and threats, and the growing acceptance of violence as an appropriate response to political disagreement.

Our sacred texts are clear: violence is never the answer. And as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., himself a victim of political violence, reminds us, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”. Our traditions call us all to be peacemakers– seeking repentance, reconciliation, and repair. We call on all people, especially elected officials, to call for an end to violence, violent and divisive rhetoric, and to commit to seeking shared values through civil discourse
and dialogue.

As faith leaders, we are also concerned by any effort to undermine the protections of the First Amendment, including the targeting of faith-based organizations for living out the commitments of their faith. The First Amendment ensures that all individuals and organizations are protected from unlawful targeting by the government for exercising their beliefs, even those organizations with whom we disagree. Targeting organizations is an attack on free speech and the First Amendment and sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic norms in our country.

We call on all political leaders, including the President and his administration, to unequivocally support freedom of speech and religious liberty, and to ensure that the government does not target individuals and nonprofits for exercising that freedom.

As people of faith, we believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and has inalienable dignity and worth. It is because of this that we believe that free speech is fundamental to our democracy, and it must be protected.

09/10/2025

"There isn't a situation that gun violence makes better."

We are shocked and horrified by the killing of Charlie Kirk. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones amidst this tragedy. There can never be any tolerance whatsoever for political violence, which threatens the safety of all communities and of democracy itself.

09/09/2025

Clergy are often first responders in times of personal and family crises and can play a life saving role in preventing su***de. Very often though, outdated theologies and social stigma make it hard for faith leaders and communities to know how to talk about su***de or provide helpful support to impacted individuals and families.
Know the facts, know the signs. Su***de is preventable and safe storage saves lives.

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08/29/2025

Prayers in action is RAWtools, Inc. transforming implements of death into tools for cultivating life. Prayers in action is The GodSquad supporting neighbors and building strong relationships in the best and worst of times. Prayers in action is Guns Down America helping consumers find businesses that promote community safety. Prayers in action is Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, Nuns Against Gun Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, and so many other faithful individuals, networks, churches, and organizations demanding elected leaders put their own prayers into action by passing life saving legislation.
Prayers in action is an answer to prayers.

07/02/2025

Every year, our friends at RAWtools, Inc. and spend Gun Violence Awareness month laboring one minute for every life lost to gun violence in the previous year. This year their focus was on transforming unwanted fi****ms into joyful treasures of creativity and fun - take a look at these great pictures!

The work to end gun violence is year round - let us know if your community is feeling called to this life saving work!

06/30/2025

Join us for the third installment of our webinar series spotlighting state-level efforts in gun violence prevention. This session focuses on Missouri—ranked 48th out of 50 states for gun law strength by Giffords Law Center—where determined advocates are pushing for change. Hear from a panel of faith-based advocates, a regional coalition, and a state legislator working to make a difference.

Tuesday, July 8 at 7pm ET/6pm CT
Register at bit.ly/GVPinMO

Speakers:

- Janet S. Hyde, Ph.D. | Professor Emeri of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, and Co-Missioner for Gun Violence Prevention for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri; author of The Psychology of Gun Violence: How Smart Choices Can Save Lives
- Jessica Meyers | Prevention Partnerships Director for the Saint Louis Mental Health Board, where she supports the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission
- State Senator Maggie Nurrenbern | Missouri State Senator representing Senate District 17 in Clay County
- Emily Sides Schiltz | Member of the St. Margaret of Scotland Parish - St. Louis Gun Sense Committee, motivated by her children's survival of a school shooting

This webinar series is sponsored by Nuns Against Gun Violence, Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton IA and Franciscan Action Network (FAN)

06/24/2025

PEEKSKILL, NY! See you next week at Regeneration Farm where we’ll be transforming destroyed guns into gardening tools!

06/17/2025

Today marks 10 years since the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC, when a white supremacist murdered nine people during a Bible study and prayer gathering.
May we remember their names and honor their lives with action, compassion, and justice.

artist: Sarah Green

06/12/2025

Nine years ago, a night meant for celebration and community turned into a horrific tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. 49 LGBTQ+ lives — many of them young, Latinx, and full of hope — were stolen by hate and violence.

Today, we remember them. We hold space for the survivors, their families, and the entire LGBTQ+ community who continue to bear the weight of this loss.

Let’s honor them with action: fight for LGBTQ+ rights, support safe spaces, and stand up against hate in all its forms. Hate has no place in our communities.

06/09/2025

Tomorrow morning, Faith Leaders for Ending Gun Violence is joining Sojourners, Georgetown University Center on Faith + Justice, and many others for A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget! Together we will stand up, sing out, and pray for a moral budget that cares for and protects our most vulnerable friends, families, and neighbors.

From the Upper Room to the Streets
On June 10, faith leaders, clergy, and moral advocates from across the country will gather at the U.S. Capitol for A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget.
We will pray, sing, march, and meet with Senators to defend vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP that serve the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable.
📍 DC friends: we need you in the streets.
✍️ Register now: https://tinyurl.com/3cxmt5ar

06/05/2025

Join us and on Friday, June 6th in support of national gun violence awareness day!

We encourage all supporters of Nuns Against Gun Violence and our partner congregations and organizations to take part in this annual campaign.

06/02/2025