The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania share in the communal heartbreak of our nation as together we face another unthinkable and senseless act of violence. Moved by deep sadness and compassion for the victims, families, and witnesses of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, we join with them in prayer and with all who are and have been affected by violence and the lost sense of safety in our schools, supermarkets, churches, and other public places. However, we acknowledge that thoughts and prayers are not enough.
We are a nation that seems unable to stop the epidemic of hate and violence that has overwhelmed us. This year, there have been 200 mass shootings in the United States – an average of more than one shooting per day. Twenty-seven of those have been in K-12 schools. This staggering number impels us to implore our elected officials to support our legislative bodies and pass legislation that immediately prevents gun violence.
We call for the passage of laws that ban assault weapons, require universal background checks for all gun sales, provide funding for gun violence prevention research, and make trafficking in weapons a federal crime.
Gun violence is America’s new public health crisis. Just as we did with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must immediately come together to address it by passing gun control legislation and putting every resource available into strengthening mental health programs. Only by working together can we make our nation a safer and less fearful place for all.
Actions You Can Take:
- Pray: For all those affected by the tragedy of gun violence. Find prayers here.
- Call: Your senators and ask them to confirm Steve Dettelbach as the next Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Director. Contact your senators here or join Everytown for Gun Safety in sending a message here.
- Join: A local organization that is advocating against gun violence or supporting victims of gun violence. Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action are good places to start.
- Wear Orange: On June 3-5 to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. Learn more here.
3 Comments on “Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Call for an End to Gun Violence”
My dear Sisters, I understand your call for the end to gun violence which is destroying our children. 🙏🏻🤔However;I feel strongly that the first change that has to happen is enforcement of our laws. When criminals use guns & commit crimes, they must be prosecuted & incarcerated & not just let go to break the law again.
Many democratic District attorney’s especially in our major cities, placed there by the $$$ of George Soros, have allowed criminals to use our court system like a revolving door. This has empowered others to feel confident to strike out & do whatever their sad minds tells them to. 😱People now feel confident that they can get away with anything!! It’s so sad to see our country going downhill just because the laws are not being enforced!!!
New rules will make no difference if the ones we have are not going to be enforced. God. Bless each of you Rosemary Costa 🌹
Amen, Sisters. Let us pray for an end!
Gun violence has gotten so out of control. And, unfortunately, a change in gun laws,, only effects law-abiding citizens. Criminals still get guns. Not through legal means.Mental illness, sadly, is rampant. The two issues combined are a real problem.