By David Rogers
In the wake of dramatic increases in gun violence nationwide, the Church of the Brethren, a historic peace church, is taking a strong stance on gun violence this week as the denomination convenes its Annual Conference of delegates from across the United States at the DeVos Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The church’s Gun Violence Prevention Action Team supported by the denominational agency On Earth Peace is leading a public witness and vigil on Saturday, July 6, at 4:45 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle to call attention to this mammoth issue nationwide.
The event will encourage public officials, legislative bodies, all faith communities, and others to stand against gun violence, and embrace a strong unifying and compelling movement toward the prevention of gun violence.
Those invited to speak at the vigil include
— Asante Cain, assistant to the City Manager of Grand Rapids and a member of the Safe Task Force;
— Kazia Kelly of Moms Demand Action, the Michigan State Legislative Lead;
— Elijah Libbett of Moms on a Mission;
— Beverly Leaf of Plant Justice Grow Peace, Spirit of Peace Church of the Brethren, Lansing, Mich.;
— Mandy Park of the Gun Violence Prevention Action Team, Maryland;
— Sandi Evans Rogers, interim pastor of Grossnickle (Md.) Church of the Brethren; and
— Matt Guynn, co-executive director of On Earth Peace.
“I stand in solidarity with all those advocating for the end of gun violence. It is essential that we, as a community, continue to work together to create a peaceful environment where everyone can thrive,” said Cain.
“The purpose of the witness is to pray, to support those touched by gun violence, and to be inspired to take action after the Conference,” said Guynn. “The team hopes this event can boost the work of gun violence prevention groups in Michigan and strengthen our network of Church of the Brethren gun violence prevention advocates.
“The church cannot remain silent on such a challenging and death-dealing issue,” Guynn continued. “It’s time for people of any faith and people of goodwill whose hearts are broken to partner with each other, with government and political officials, and with all who share a dedication to safer communities to call attention and provide tangible actions to end gun violence.”
The Gun Violence Prevention Action Team was formed to galvanize the Church of the Brethren to be faithful as an effective force for reducing gun violence in our neighborhoods and wherever it occurs. The team works to convene conversations across the denomination to build a network of gun violence prevention advocates, catalyze congregations to take collective action as Christians, and to activate agencies and institutions of the Church of the Brethren as possible forces for change.
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Below: A “We Can End Gun Violence” display at Annual Conference, with each empty chair representing one of the thousands of gun violence victims in the United States. Each victim’s name is accompanied by their age and date of death. Photo by Joel Brumbaugh-Cayford
