The Congregation of St. Joseph shares in the communal heartbreak of our nation as together we face another unthinkable and senseless act of violence. Moved by deep sadness and compassion for the victims, families, and witnesses of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, we join with them in prayer and with all who are and have been affected by violence and the lost sense of safety in our schools, supermarkets, churches, and other public places. However we acknowledge that thoughts and prayers are not enough.
We are a nation that seems unable to stop the epidemic of hate and violence that has overwhelmed us. This year to date, there have been 200 mass shootings in the United States – more than one per day. 27 of those have been in K-12 schools. This staggering number impels us to once again implore our elected officials to support and our legislative bodies to immediately pass legislation that effectively prevents gun violence. We call for the passage of laws that ban assault weapons, require universal background checks for all gun sales, provide funding for gun violence prevention research, and makes the trafficking in weapons a federal crime.
Gun violence is America’s new public health crisis. Just as we did with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must immediately come together to address it by passing gun control legislation and by putting every resource available to us into strengthening mental health programs. Only by working together can we succeed in making our nation a safer and less fearful place for all.
Actions You Can Take:
Download and Print: Digital cards urging your Senators to pass legislation to end gun violence, provided by Ministry of the Arts as a way to Act Now. Click here for cards.
Pray: For all those affected by the tragedy of gun violence. Find prayers here.
Call: Your senators and ask them to confirm Steve Dettelbach as the next Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director. Contact your senators here or join Everytown for Gun Safety in sending a message here.
Join: A local organization that is advocating against gun violence or supporting victims of gun violence. Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action are a good place to start.
Wear Orange: On June 3-5 to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. Learn more here.
