This past fall, Bishop Deon asked me to serve as the diocesan Missioner for Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy. I have worked with the gun violence prevention movement since 2014, serving as state legislative lead for Moms Demand Action, testifying at the Missouri senate, phone banking, texting and generally raising my voice together with so many others to address the unholy trinity of gun violence, poverty, and racism. I am honored that Bishop Deon asked me to continue the work in our diocese. Quite honestly, I find it a daunting task at the same time. It is a complex issue that we won’t be able to solve with one bill or one campaign.
Sadly, the issue of gun violence prevention has become a partisan issue. It is NOT for us, as followers of Jesus, a partisan political issue; it is an issue of the sanctity of every human life and how we structure our common life together. God’s call to us as God’s people has always been a communal call. As Christians, our foundational value is not individual rights at any cost. Our moral framework is the common good of all of God’s children.
I am grateful to the following people who have agreed to serve as the Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee: Jeff Wunrow from Trinity, St Louis; Betty Bowersox from Grace, Kirkwood; Donna Bernart from St. Francis, Eureka; Machelle West from All Saints and Ascension, Northwoods; Lore Gross from Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis; Colleen Haggerty and Pat O’Brien from Grace, Kirkwood; and Sally Boyd from St. Barnabas, Florissant.
Our work will center around promoting gun safety, legislative advocacy, and education – what we call gun sense. It makes no sense in any society to watch our children and loved ones die by gun at the rate of over 110 people a day and not work to change the structures that allow this to happen so easily.
Taking action
The first opportunity for us as the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri to raise our voices in support of common sense gun laws is just around the corner.
You are invited to Jefferson City on Tuesday, March 7 to attend gun sense legislative advocacy day. This event, sponsored by the MO chapter of Moms Demand Action*, will begin with training and education and then offer participants a chance to visit legislators in groups of 8-10 people to advocate for common sense gun laws. You don’t need any experience, just the willingness to participate.
The Episcopal Church across Missouri will be hosting an interfaith prayer service on the steps of the state capitol that morning. This is an opportunity for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement to raise our hearts and voices together for the common good.
Look for further details about Advocacy Day coming soon, as well as the link to register for the event. Please contact me at mhaggerty19@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Mary+
* “Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. We also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. We know that gun violence is preventable, and we’re committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe.” For more information go to https://momsdemandaction.org/.