Social Justice Corner Newsletter September 19, 2024
Last Friday, September 13, 2024, marked a grim anniversary. It has been 20 years since President George W. Bush and congressional leadership let the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994 (signed into law by President Bill Clinton) expire. Since that time, we've seen what happens when such weapons end up in the hands of those looking to kill, terrorize, traumatize, and deprive people of the fullness of life God desires for us all.
Tell Congress to pass an Assault Weapons Ban now!
An assault weapon was used:
- Two weeks ago to kill two staff and two students at a school in Georgia
- In 2022 to kill two staff and 19 students at a school in Texas
- In 2022 to kill 10 shoppers at a grocery store in New York
- In 2018 to kill 11 worshipers at a temple in Pennsylvania
- In 2018 to kill three staff and 14 students at a school in Florida
- In 2017 to kill 60 people at a music festival in Nevada
- In 2016 to kill 26 worshipers at a church in Texas
- In 2016 to kill 49 people at a night club in Florida
- In 2012 to kill 20 students and six staff at a school in Connecticut
And this is not an exhaustive list...
With national and local elections coming up, now is the time to educate ourselves on the various candidates' positions on gun violence prevention. Thankfully, gunsensevoter.org makes it easy. Consider taking just 2 minutes today to click this link, enter your zip code, and see if the local and national candidates you are considering voting for are likely to support stricter gun laws.
- Vote Faithfully: Episcopalians Engaging the U.S. Election Watch this recording of a program with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry with other guests from across the church speaking on election engagement. Co-hosted by the Episcopal Parish Network.
- Election Engagement Resources Get our parish ready to help your community vote in the 2024 election.
Tags: Social Justice & Advocacy / Committed to Racial Justice & Allyship