Social Witness and Guns: one intersection of justice and liberty
By Carmen Fowler LaBerge, The Layman, September 23, 2011
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Presbyterian social witness policies universally condemn gun violence, but those same policies do not condemn responsible gun ownership. That is an important distinction for many Presbyterians who serve in the military, hunt and own guns for personal protection. However, the language, aspersions and tone that have been used in the past to advocate for social witness policies against gun violence have marginalized many socially conservative Presbyterians. That tone appears to have changed.
In his presentation to the Justice Committee of the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC), the Rev. Carl Horton, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s strategic planning and program facilitator, acknowledged the breadth of perspectives that exist nationwide on the issue based on one’s context and experiences.
The discussion arose as a result of a referral from the 2010 General Assembly on gun violence and gospel values. Horton said the “the resolution centered on two actions: awakening members and communities to the faith dimensions of gun violence and assisting congregations and members in supporting initiatives.
He then went on to outline how the Peacemaking Program was answering that twofold call.
Horton outlined three ways that he hopes to awaken Presbyterians on the issue. “At all levels, the church needs to become informed and active in preventing gun violence and provide pastoral care and spiritual support for victims of gun violence. The church can also work to build public awareness of gun violence and the epidemic of preventable gun-related deaths. And thirdly, pastors can preach periodically on the subject and offer prayers for victims and perpetrators and times of confession for our complicity in the toleration of all forms of violence.”
He then proceeded to present several efforts he hopes will be advanced in assisting congregations and members in efforts to transform our culture of violence. The list included:
- work to build a movement of urban-suburban ecumenical partnerships to understand and take more effective action to address the problem of gun violence
- take part in public prayer at sites where gun violence has occurred
- identify gun shops that are not complying with gun sale and ownership laws
- engage in non-violent action against gun shops and gun shows known to sell guns that end up in crime
- encourage churches to combat concealed carry laws by displaying signs that prohibit carrying guns onto their property
- encourage those who regularly handle weapons to be wise examples in reducing risks
- support the Office of Public Policy in advocating for approved PCUSA policies related to gun acquisition and ownership limits, licensing, registration, waiting periods, background checks and bans on certain weapons
- support laws related to removing guns from situations of domestic violence and from people whose record suggests the likelihood of violence
Horton then outlined for the committee what has happened to date in relationship to the GA referral and the path forward. He highlighted that “We are telling the story of Heeding God’s Call through the 2011 Peacemaking Offering. We are doing that through bulletin inserts, mission moment scripts and a video that’s posted on the website.”