A Message from Presbyterian Peace Fellowship on addressing crisis of gun violence--
Dear Friends in Christ,
On February 14, 2018, a former student entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida with an AR-15-style semi-automatic weapon. In 7 minutes, he killed 17 students and adults. In February of 1893, Presbyterians first participated in the Universal Day of Prayer for Students, lifting to God the lives of children, teenagers and young adults. In February of 2019, these two anniversaries coincide in a way that calls the church to take seriously the steps needed to protect students and all of us from the crisis of gun violence in our nation.
Click here to download the PPF toolkit to observe these anniversaries on Sunday, February 17.
There is no single solution to gun violence. But, out of the Parkland, FL shooting, a movement has arisen among students to lead us to a new consensus on a range of actions that can work together to save lives. This new consensus requires communities that can bring together those of us who own guns and those of us who do not to find middle ground for change and to see it through. Perhaps this task of bringing people together is the unique role that the church and other communities of faith can offer our students and our nation.
On February 14 and 17, 2019, please use the enclosed materials in ways that best serve your congregation; you are free to reproduce these materials for your worship, study and action needs. Additional resources for education, pastoral care and action can be found at www.presbypeacefellowship.org/gun-violence
Sincerely Yours,
Rev. Margery Rossi, Chair, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Ministry
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