Statement on Gun Violence

As those who serve our local faith communities we are ever more aware of how important the sanctity of life and a sense of safety are for those we serve.  Through our pastoral work we know that life is one of the most precious gifts that we have been entrusted with and to fully live this gift it is necessary to have a personal sense of safety as we go about our daily tasks.  The violence associated with firearms as seen in the rash of recent mass shootings tramples on these values and enough is enough. It is time for our elected representatives to push forward with sensible firearm safety regulation.

As I watched the aftermath of yet another mass shooting where bullets rain down on concertgoers in Las Vegas, I was both saddened and angry.  I was saddened for all those I knew who were going through great suffering because of this cruel and senseless act of violence. My anger grew because I knew how many lives had been terribly affected while the response of politicians at so many levels remained unchanged. I knew that there would be finger pointing and the usual “thoughts and prayers” for the victims and their families while nothing would change.  How could so many politicians do so little to safeguard the public? I knew the response would be limited. Thus, C.I.V. was born.

We began talking with local and state representatives because of the core belief that gun violence is not inevitable and it can be prevented.  There are many firearm safety measures that are straightforward, but not yet law and fit with our common values of the sanctity of life and public safety.  We have found again and again that there is a lot of consensus between gun owners and non-gun owners on firearm safety issues. Safety measures can be legislated so the general public can stay safe while conscientious gun owners can still enjoy their rights to hunt and target shoot.

We have found the data that shows that it does makes a person more prone to injury and death when a firearm is in the house.  The federal funding for the CDC to study gun violence has been upheld for decades by politicians too afraid of confronting the issue, but the data and facts still find their way to the surface. There is so much information that needs to get out to the public so we can make healthier and safer decisions about firearms.

The mass shooting at Parkland has pushed the country around a corner and a movement has started to protect all people across the nation. Following this tragedy, the articulate and passionate students have spoken out about the tragedy, fear, and violence they experienced, and many of us have been inspired to work harder than ever to hold our elected officials accountable for the change that is urgently needed.  We hope that this website provides inspiration, contacts, and tools to help you join the fight to free America from gun violence.

- Rev. Erik Swanson

Gun Violence is Preventable

Just because progress has been made and we still see news coverage of gun violence on a regular basis, does not mean we are losing this fight. Gun violence is in gang violence. Gun violence is in mass violence. Gun violence is in domestic violence. Gun violence and America have a long history but it is being stopped as communities all across the country work together toward safety. To see gun violence in America by the numbers click here. 

Steps have been taken toward getting firearms away from those who pose a danger to society and themselves. But there are many more steps that need to be taken to ensure these tragedies are brought to an end. 

What can prevent these tragedies from happening? Safety measures and education. Educating people on the facts about gun violence & the signs to look out for and safety measures which will make it harder for those who wish to do harm to carry out their terrible acts. 

What do these measures look like?

• Safe storage of firearms when not in the owner's immediate vicinity.  
• Prohibiting operations near sensitive areas.
• Universal background checks.
• Restricting admittance of individuals who cannot purchase firearms.
• Better gun violence restraining orders.