In April 2024, the ELCA Church Council issued a social message entitled “Gun-related Violence and Trauma.” You can read the message here. This message, which has been helpful to me personally, moves the discussion beyond a gun rights verses gun control dichotomy. It invites readers to consider gun violence in the broader context of public health concerns and the widespread yearning for safe communities. The gun owners I know desire that as much as I do, and I welcome an opportunity for us to engage side-by-side with the ground-level work of peacemaking in the communities where we live.
At our recent Synod Assembly, the voting members overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution that called on youth and adults to study gun violence and then to act in a way that implements a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazine sales. You can read the text of the resolution here.
This resolution was brought forward by an 11-year-old and reflects the passionate and informed urgency of this rising generation. While not as comprehensive in the scope of topics covered as the church’s recent social message, there was such poignancy to the cry of this young voice. I am moved and chastened by Connor’s words. I hope you are, too.
As I mentioned at the assembly, the synods in Minnesota and North Dakota have been planning a series of presentations and discussions on “Peacemaking in an Epidemic of Gun Violence.” This project will begin in October and I urge you to participate when the details are shared in early fall.
As people of deep and grounded faith, I know you care as much as I do for the well-being of our neighbors. We may have different strategies for how to approach such peacemaking, but I have confidence that reducing gun-related violence is a concern we all share. If you want to share your personal experience or perspective with me, I welcome hearing from you directly at patricia.lull@spas-elca.org.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Patricia Lull
