gun violence Archives

Trauma and grace

Posted August 1st, 2019

As I write, there are reports of yet another school shooting. The refrain “I never thought this would happen here” has become a mantra on the evening news. The circle of those experiencing trauma — or knowing someone who has — widens daily.

Youth impacted by gun violence speak during Triennium webinar

Posted July 23rd, 2019

As Kaaleah J. from the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia spoke, photos of her father appeared on a screen above the stage in Purdue University’s Eliza Fowler Hall and he could be heard rapping, “When I’m gone, will they remember me?”

Gun-violence webinar will debut live at Presbyterian Youth Triennium

Posted July 11th, 2019

People attending next week’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium on the campus of Purdue University will be among the first to see a new webinar series addressing one of the most important issues of our day: gun violence.

Reports: Man being held following San Diego-area synagogue shootings is Orthodox Presbyterian

Posted April 29th, 2019

News reports indicate that John T. Earnest, the 19-year-old man who’s been charged with murder and attempted murder following Saturday’s deadly synagogue shooting in Poway near San Diego, is a member of an Escondido, Calif., congregation in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

After synagogue shooting, Presbyterians share shock, grief; stand in solidarity with neighbors

Posted October 29th, 2018

One of the first things Presbyterian minister the Rev. Susan Rothenberg did once she knew what the “pop, pop, pop” sound was four houses down at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh was to text the Rev. Dr. Vincent Kolb.

Gun Violence Prevention to Unite Presbyterians at 2018 General Assembly

Posted June 13th, 2018

With 36,000 Americans dying from gun violence last year, the General Assembly gathering of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in St. Louis June 16-23 will reaffirm church policies for gun reform. Hopefully, Presbyterians will leave with new resources and a new resolve to take action at home to prevent gun violence. The 223rd General Assembly marks 50 years of Presbyterian statements on the need for legislative action to curb gun violence, beginning in 1968.

A teen’s perspective on gun control

Posted May 30th, 2018

In 2016, when I was 12 years old, I read an article about a boy half my age named King Carter who was gunned down less than a mile from my home in Miami Shores. King was walking to a convenience store to buy candy when he was killed in the crossfire between two drug-dealing gangs. After reading about his tragic story, I didn’t understand why he had to die.

Presbyterian churches remember victims in Texas school shootings

Posted May 22nd, 2018

Presbyterian church leaders continue to follow the aftermath of last Friday’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in the Houston area. As many as 10 people were killed and 13 wounded in the 25-minute attack. Authorities are still investigating what led the 17-year-old suspect to fire on students and faculty.

Presbyterians join hundreds of thousands in march against gun violence

Posted March 26th, 2018

Across the country and the world Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people took part in rallies and demonstrations against gun violence. The March for Our Lives was organized by students in various communities.

PC(USA) Office of Public Witness to take part in Washington march against gun violence

Posted March 19th, 2018

Last week, thousands of high school students across the country took part in a 17-minute walk out demanding stricter gun laws. This week, the Office of Public Witness (OPW) will participate in the “March for Our Lives” along the streets of the nation’s capital.