A Comprehensive Look at Gun Violence and What the Faith Community Can Do About It
The gun violence epidemic in the U.S. is a crisis that intersects with issues of public health, youth, domestic violence, race, and poverty. It impacts every socioeconomic group, every faith and cultural community, every education level, and every region. It is a true social justice crisis, and it demands both our holy outrage and our holy action.
The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in collaboration with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, produced the webinar series Standing Our Holy Ground, challenging the faith community to stand up against this far-reaching crisis of our day. Touching on a large variety of topics and utilizing those at the forefront of the work and research, this comprehensive webinar series delves deeply into the epidemic of gun violence and explores the ways in which people of faith and the communities to which they belong can respond and act to bring about change. Recordings of each one hour webinar, along with study guides and panelist bio sheets, are free to view at the links below.
Young People and Campuses Stand Up to Gun Violence
Hear from a panel of young people and adults – activists, experts and those impacted by gun violence – who are working to address gun violence and make our campuses and communities safer.
The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence in Urban Contexts
Baltimore area residents including clergy, police officers, and activists discuss how they are working to address gun violence in the city they call home.
The Theological Grounding of Our Gun Violence Policies
Explore the theology around guns and learn about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) policy, Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God’s Call.
The Mental Health Myth: The Role of Mental Health in Gun Violence and How the Media Often Gets It Wrong-Part 1
Public health experts explore the relationship between mental health and gun violence and debunk the myths/misperceptions surrounding it.
The Mental Health Myth: The Role of Mental Health in Gun Violence and How the Media Often Gets It Wrong-Part 2
Further explore the relationship between mental health and gun violence and debunk the myths/misperceptions surrounding it.
What Churches Can Do to Address Gun Violence: Active and Creative Strategies
Discover actions that congregations can take locally and nationally to address gun violence including partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Impact of Gun Violence on LGBTQ+ Communities
Hear from pastors and LGTBQ+ advocates about the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ communities face with regards to gun violence.
How to Talk About Gun Violence in Your Church
Learn how we can talk about gun violence in our churches and explore various methods of church safety and preparedness for gun violence
Behind the Bullet: The Aftermath of Gun Violence from the Shooter’s Perspective
Through interviews with the director and subjects of the documentary “Behind the Bullet,” learn about the impact and aftermath of a shooting on the shooter.
Law Enforcement Stands Up to Gun Violence
Law enforcement officers share about the efforts they take to prevent gun violence and illegal firearm possession as well as the challenges they face legislatively and on the ground.
The Racial Divide in Gun Violence
This episode explores the racial divide in gun violence and discusses how people of faith can take action to address gun violence while lifting up the voices of those who experience it the most.
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A Conversation with Sandy Hook Promise
Panelists from Sandy Hook Promise discuss the history of the organization, what it teaches in its programs for children and adults, and how churches can apply the organization’s initiatives to the context of the faith community.
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Get Your Guns: Why Americans Buy Firearms in Times of Pandemic
Learn why people turn to guns in times of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the distinction between fear-based and faith-based responses to crisis/disaster.
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One Step at a Time: The Trauma Recovery and Rebuilding Process in the Wake of Gun Violence
Pastors and trauma experts discuss the stages of healing from the trauma of gun violence and the Church’s role in accompanying people in their healing process.
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Too Close to Home: Guns and Domestic Violence
Researchers, advocates, and survivors of domestic violence discuss the relationship between firearms and domestic violence and the gaps in current legislation that must be addressed to protect victims and survivors.
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