scotty utz

The full circle of gun violence prevention

Sometimes things come full circle. The scene: At a Presbyterian Peacemaking Program conference at Ghost Ranch in 2010, a filmmaker from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance heeds a plea from retired pastor James Atwood to make a documentary about gun violence and its impact on families and communities. The result is the award-winning film, “Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence,” since seen by millions of viewers.  Flash forward: This August 22-25, David Barnhart and his PDA crew will roll the cameras again at the James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The goal? To interview participants at the new gun violence prevention training event honoring the late Jim Atwood. The result? A planned sequel to “Trigger,” as part of the Presbyterian Decade to End Gun Violence.