Stated Clerk's Statement on Gun Violence

Gun violence is a public health crisis. According to a Time Magazine article, “From 2015-2019, about 40 people per day were killed in incidents of gun violence. 2020 saw a huge increase in gun deaths compared with previous years, and 2021 is trending even higher.” On September 28, the FBI reported that murders had risen almost 30% in 2020 with 77% by gun violence. Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia are among the places nationwide that also are experiencing a rise in shootings and homicides.  There is no segment of the nation that is not impacted by gun violence. White suburban children go to school and suffer under school shootings. Inner-city children go up experiencing gunfire almost daily. In Louisville, KY, two students were shot at a school bus stop during a drive-by shooting. Sixteen-year-old, Tyree Smith, a junior in high school, died from bullet wounds. The Washington Post documented the trauma violence places upon the lives of American children. It depicted the pain a three-year-old experienced through the death of his father, uncle, and grandfather to gun violence. “The trauma for some families has been compounded by multiple losses to gun violence, sometimes over years, sometimes over generations. The pain has been concentrated in many of the region’s Black communities.”  Gun violence is a public health menace with roots in the persistent poverty vulnerable communities have experienced for decades. It is appalling that the Congress of the United States of America has refused to take action on preventing gun deaths and the trauma American families are experiencing. The mass killings of children at Sandy Hook did not move them. Nor did the shooting of congressmen at a charity baseball game.  Time Magazine suggested that “We Must Treat Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis. These 4 Steps Will Help Us Reduce Deaths.”  “We need accurate data: who is hurt, and where, and why. What makes some firearm owners safe, and others not? Which policies are effective, and which aren’t? Non-partisan money to create answers and drive change.  Once we know what works, we need to scale it up, quickly.  A successful public health approach to firearm injury requires that we stop pointing fingers, and instead work together.” So, earlier the Office of Public Witness advocated for the following measures: Pray for a reduction in gun-related violence and the number of guns in this country. Advocate for the CDC, HHS, and other agencies to be allowed to reinstate research into gun violence as it relates to public health. A congressional 1996 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act eliminated $2.6 from the CDC budget used to research gun violence. Do advocacy with members of Congress for effective gun legislation. Mount public, ongoing pressure on munition companies to reduce their production of automatic weapons and the wholescale sale of weapons worldwide. Start public campaigns to publicly shame them into doing more to self-regulate the number of weapons they release upon the streets of America. Advocate for the repeal of the 2005 “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” that prohibits lawsuits against gun manufacturers and dealers claiming liability in gun deaths. Push for the prosecution of those who violate limitations within the bill. Publicly support businesses that have stopped selling weapons and/or ammunition and prohibit open carry (Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Walgreens, Wegmans, CVS, and Kroger’s, LL Bean). Challenge conversations stating that mental illness is the cause of gun violence. Persons with mental illness are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators.  Focus on prevention. Promote for your state to adopt “Red Flag” gun laws that confiscate guns from potentially dangerous individuals. Support non-profits and advocacy organizations such as Sandy Hook Promise and the March For Our Lives movement.  As people of faith, we must continue our fight to eliminate the scourge of gun violence from the face of the earth. Lives are being lost needlessly and access to guns is prevalent throughout the country. It is our prayer that this nation might lead the way for other countries to take a courageous stand to eliminate the proliferation of weapons causing death and destruction. We stand against companies without a conscience and politicians without courage. We follow Jesus who said, “25 I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II Stated Clerk of the General Assembly Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)