Gun Violence Prevention & Response
Gun Violence
Since the 1960s, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations have responded to gun violence by emphasizing the need to control the sale and possession of firearms and advocating for education and action at various levels of government.
The 226th General Assembly in 2024 — recognizing that gun violence profoundly impacts the nation's children — voted that every PC(USA) congregation take action of their own, such as promoting secure gun storage, taking part in the Guns to Gardens initiative, or praying for the emotional, mental, and spiritual health of children growing up in an era rife with gun violence.
To encourage prevention, the denomination offers programs and resources that address and explore the causes and impacts of gun violence, such as the award-winning documentary "Trigger" and "Standing Our Holy Ground," a webinar series about gun violence and how faith communities can address it.
The church also responds to gun violence events and other human-caused disasters through a ministry of accompaniment and presence. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offers Church Safety & Security Training to congregational leadership through their mid council.
