GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION MINISTRY
JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. Upcoming Events/Advocacy & Information About Our Ministry
II. General Gun Violence Information/Statistics III. Select Catholic Resources and Statements on Gun Violence Prevention |
IV. Additional NC Church Websites Helping to Address Gun Violence
V. Select Catholic Articles/Statements on Gun Violence Prevention VI. Previous Gun Violence Prevention Faith Formation and Advocacy |
I. UPCOMING EVENTS/ADVOCACY &
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
JUNE IS NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
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On the weekend of June 07-08, our Gun Violence Prevention Ministry once again will host a table in the gathering space after all masses providing education and advocacy resources for Gun Violence Prevention Month.
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Gun violence has a huge physical, emotional, and financial impact on Americans. "Every day, more than 300 people are directly impacted by gun violence in the United States."
Gun Violence Awareness Month was created to draw attention to this tragic reality and demand life-saving change." "The effects of gun violence extend far beyond these casualties—gun violence shapes the lives of millions of Americans who witness it, know someone who was shot, or live in fear of the next shooting” (Giffords Law Center).
Gun Violence Awareness Month was created to draw attention to this tragic reality and demand life-saving change." "The effects of gun violence extend far beyond these casualties—gun violence shapes the lives of millions of Americans who witness it, know someone who was shot, or live in fear of the next shooting” (Giffords Law Center).
In a 2022 letter to Congress, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) advocated for dialogue followed by concrete action to bring about social renewal that addresses all aspects of the gun violence crisis in America. Recognizing a severe problem in our own Durham community, Immaculate Conception parish organized a Gun Violence Prevention Ministry as part of our efforts within Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). This ministry will be sharing information and creating opportunities for involvement by our parish family.
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As Catholics, we believe that every human life is precious. As we mourn recent deaths in our community due to firearm suicides, homicides, and accidents, we are called to prayer and action. Firearm injury is the leading cause of death for children in Durham County. We will share important firearm safety information and resources. Please visit us to learn about practical steps each of us can take to protect the vulnerable and build a culture of life and peace in our community.
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Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) created our Gun Violence Prevention Ministry so our parishioners can work together though faith-based healing, support, safety, and prevention for all affected by gun violence to address the ways this tragic reality affects our parish and community in solidarity with the city (via Durham CAN), state, and national efforts.
We hope to listen and learn from the stories, experiences, concerns, and ideas of our fellow parishioners, neighbors, friends, and family members who have been directly impacted by gun violence in our Immaculate Conception community. We envision this group spanning several Immaculate Conception ministries representing a wide cross-section of our parish.
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JPIC VENN MODEL FOR
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- Parishioners are invited to participate in periodic meetings to work together on this issue, both within our parish and community wide (primarily through our parish work within Durham CAN).
- We are creating an email distribution list for follow-up information and exchange. We hope you will consider joining us to learn more and become part of our conversation.
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If you would like to join our Gun Violence Prevention Ministry efforts through any of the opportunities listed above, please contact:
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GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION MINISTRY PATRON
ST. OSCAR ROMERO
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Our ministry chose Saint Oscar Romero, the martyred archbishop of El Salvador, to be the patron of our gun violence prevention ministry.
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St. Oscar Romero was fatally shot by an assassin while celebrating mass in 1980 for his faith-based advocacy against violence and social injustice. Throughout Lent 2024, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) celebrated Saint Oscar Romero with numerous faith formation programs and events leading up to Immaculate Conception's reception of a gift of a relic of St. Oscar Romero.
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“THOU SHALT NOT KILL” SCULPTURE
BY TIMOTHY SCHMALZ
“Thou Shalt Not Kill” is a life-size sculpture by artist Timothy Schmalz. The photos included here are from the statue found at St. Sabina Catholic Church in Chicago. Placed in front of a prayer wall for gun violence victims in the church’s school playground, it shows Jesus kneeling over a hooded victim face down on the ground, bullet holes etched into his back. Jesus holds His face in His hands, each bearing crucifixion wounds. Schmalz describes his sculptures as “visual prayers.” Father Pfleger, the pastor of St. Sabrina, reminds us that “when we see that child on the ground, we see our child.”
A version of the “Thou Shalt Not Kill” sculpture was dedicated in 2018 at the opening of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Charities “Father Augustus Tolton Peace Center and Garden.” Currently being considered for sainthood, Father Augustus Tolton was a former slave who made history in the Catholic Church and in Chicago as the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the United States in the 1800s.
Some parishioners may remember that another one of Schmalz statutes, which depicts a homeless Jesus sleeping on a bench, was the original image used for our main JPIC webpage.
A version of the “Thou Shalt Not Kill” sculpture was dedicated in 2018 at the opening of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Charities “Father Augustus Tolton Peace Center and Garden.” Currently being considered for sainthood, Father Augustus Tolton was a former slave who made history in the Catholic Church and in Chicago as the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the United States in the 1800s.
Some parishioners may remember that another one of Schmalz statutes, which depicts a homeless Jesus sleeping on a bench, was the original image used for our main JPIC webpage.
II. GENERAL GUN VIOLENCE INFORMATION/STATISTICS
UNITED STATES
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DURHAM
The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun weekly report of homicides to monitor gun violence trends in the community.
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GUN VIOLENCE ARCHIVE (GVA)
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III. SELECT CATHOLIC RESOURCES/STATEMENTS ON GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
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- Letter in Support of the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act (April 08, 2013). Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice.
- “Proposals to Reduce Gun Violence: Protecting Our Communities While Respecting the Second Amendment.” Testimony of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops before Senate Committee on the Judiciary (February 12, 2013)
- Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework for Action (A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1994)
IV. ADDITIONAL NORTH CAROLINA CHURCH WEBSITES HELPING TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE
(EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF NC)
V. SELECT CATHOLIC ARTICLES/STATEMENTS ON GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CALL FOR DECISIVE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON GUN VIOLENCE
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On June 27th, eight bishops of the Province of Atlanta, including our own Bishop Luis Zarama of Raleigh and Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, O.F.M. Conv. of Atlanta, signed a joint statement at the Cathedral of Christ the King urging “decisive action” on legislation to curb “plague of gun violence” nationwide and locally.
As of June 30, 2023, this year alone, the Gun Violence Archive, which draws data from law enforcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies, has reported 21,511 deaths from gun violence, including 338 mass shootings, 12,078 suicides, and the deaths of more than 902 children and teens (ages 17 and under) killed by gun violence. |
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Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) stands united with the bishops and the entire Catholic Church in its efforts within our parish, Durham CAN, and throughout our city to address the issue of Gun Violence. A full article from the "The Georgia Bulletin" is included below.
BISHOPS OF ATLANTA PROVINCE CALL FOR ‘DECISIVE ACTION’ ON GUN SAFETY, MENTAL HEALTH LEGISLATION
By NICHOLE GOLDEN, Editor - The Georgia Bulletin | Published June 27, 2023
ATLANTA—Sitting in front of a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà—the sculpture of Mary holding her crucified son—the bishops of the Atlanta Province signed a joint statement June 27 urging “decisive action” on legislation to curb gun violence.
The Bishops of the Province of Atlanta gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the King following the noon Mass. Each of the eight bishops attending signed the letter. The Atlanta Province includes the Diocese of Savannah, the Diocese of Charleston in South Carolina and the Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina.
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“The Gospel calls us in a particular way to protect the most vulnerable among us,” read the statement. “The ready accessibility of firearms presents an immediate threat to the wellbeing of children, families impacted by domestic violence and individuals experiencing mental illness. Our first priority must therefore be to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who would carry out violent acts against children in schools, against their families or against themselves.”
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Photo by Tim Durski/Cathedral of Christ the King
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., right, looks on as Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III takes his turn signing a joint statement of the bishops of the Atlanta Province, urging action on gun safety reforms. Eight bishops signed the statement June 27 at the Cathedral of Christ the King.
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In the statement, the bishops called on federal and state officials within the province to implement meaningful legislation addressing the “plague of gun violence” nationwide and locally. “As legislators, you are in a unique position to support and promote public policy that will save lives,” they wrote.
The Gun Violence Archive, which draws data from law enforcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies, has reported more than 200 mass shootings, 9,000 suicides and the deaths of more than 700 children and teens by gun violence in the first half of 2023.
During his homily, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., spoke about the symbolism of the Book of the Gospels held over a bishop’s head during a rite of ordination. It represents the principal task of proclaiming and living the Gospel.
The Gun Violence Archive, which draws data from law enforcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies, has reported more than 200 mass shootings, 9,000 suicides and the deaths of more than 700 children and teens by gun violence in the first half of 2023.
During his homily, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., spoke about the symbolism of the Book of the Gospels held over a bishop’s head during a rite of ordination. It represents the principal task of proclaiming and living the Gospel.
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer was joined by seven bishops of the Atlanta Province for the noon Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King June 27. Gathering for their annual meeting, the bishops signed a gun safety statement following Mass. Photo by Tim Durski/Cathedral of Christ the King
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“It means that the bishop must be especially attentive to the needs of his people and their concerns,” said the archbishop. “One of those concerns that keeps surfacing in our city and in our country is gun violence.” He said while the bishops do not deny the right to defend oneself, the vulnerable must be protected.
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“As bishops, we would be failing in our ordination promises, if we were to remain silent on an issue that has caused so much pain and sadness,” he said. “As the great statesman Edmund Burke declared: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’”
The archbishop affirmed that “our dignity lives in the fact that every person is made in the image and likeness of God.”
“We are a people of life, and we must proclaim the Gospel of Life, whether it is convenient or inconvenient,” he said referencing St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy from the first Scripture reading of the Mass.
The eight bishops signing the statement were Archbishop Hartmayer, Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, of Charleston, Bishop Luis Zarama of Raleigh, Bishop Stephen D. Parkes of Savannah, Bishop Emeritus John Kevin Boland of Savannah, and Atlanta’s auxiliaries, Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM; Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III and Bishop John N. Tran. Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte was unable to attend the meeting.
The archbishop affirmed that “our dignity lives in the fact that every person is made in the image and likeness of God.”
“We are a people of life, and we must proclaim the Gospel of Life, whether it is convenient or inconvenient,” he said referencing St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy from the first Scripture reading of the Mass.
The eight bishops signing the statement were Archbishop Hartmayer, Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, of Charleston, Bishop Luis Zarama of Raleigh, Bishop Stephen D. Parkes of Savannah, Bishop Emeritus John Kevin Boland of Savannah, and Atlanta’s auxiliaries, Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM; Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III and Bishop John N. Tran. Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte was unable to attend the meeting.
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In line with measures supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the statement asked for several reforms: a total ban on assault weapons, universal background checks for all gun purchases, limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines, improved access to and increased resources for mental health care and earlier interventions and regulations and limitations on the purchasing of handguns. An additional reform outlined was to require gun owners to provide safe storage and report lost and stolen guns.
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The eight bishops attending their annual meeting of the Atlanta Province signed a joint statement advocating for gun safety reforms June 27. From left are Bishop John N. Tran of Atlanta, Bishop Emeritus John Kevin Boland of Savannah, Bishop Stephen Parkes of Savannah, Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III of Atlanta, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, of Charleston, Bishop Luis Zarama of Raleigh, and Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, of Atlanta. Photo by Nichole Golden
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After each bishop signed the document, Archbishop Hartmayer thanked parishioners who stayed to listen to its reading, asking them to “continue to pray for increased legislation to safeguard our children, our citizens and those who are visiting the United States.”
He urged all to “contact your elected officials to support those actions that would be necessary to cease the violence, the senseless violence, the killing of our people.”
He urged all to “contact your elected officials to support those actions that would be necessary to cease the violence, the senseless violence, the killing of our people.”
BISHOP FRANK J. DEWANE OF VENICE, FLORIDA, CHAIRMAN OF THE USCCB'S COMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC JUSTICE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, URGES TRUE DEBATE ON GUN VIOLENCE
WASHINGTON (November 07, 2017) — In the aftermath of the recent and horrific attacks in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, urged national leaders to engage in a true debate about solutions to gun violence.
The full statement follows:
"For many years, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been urging our leaders to explore and adopt reasonable policies to help curb gun violence. The recent and shocking events in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs remind us of how much damage can be caused when weapons—particularly weapons designed to inflict extreme levels of bloodshed—too easily find their way into the hands of those who would wish to use them to harm others.
Violence in our society will not be solved by a single piece of legislation, and many factors contribute to what we see going on all around us. Even so, our leaders must engage in a real debate about needed measures to save lives and make our communities safer. The USCCB continues to urge a total ban on assault weapons, which we supported when the ban passed in 1994 and when Congress failed to renew it in 2004.
In addition, the bishops have supported:
While acknowledging the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and related jurisprudence, we live in a fallen world with daily advances in modern technology. Some weapons are increasingly capable of easily causing mass murder when used with an evil purpose. Society must recognize that the common good requires reasonable steps to limit access to such firearms by those who would intend to use them in that way."
The full statement follows:
"For many years, the Catholic bishops of the United States have been urging our leaders to explore and adopt reasonable policies to help curb gun violence. The recent and shocking events in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs remind us of how much damage can be caused when weapons—particularly weapons designed to inflict extreme levels of bloodshed—too easily find their way into the hands of those who would wish to use them to harm others.
Violence in our society will not be solved by a single piece of legislation, and many factors contribute to what we see going on all around us. Even so, our leaders must engage in a real debate about needed measures to save lives and make our communities safer. The USCCB continues to urge a total ban on assault weapons, which we supported when the ban passed in 1994 and when Congress failed to renew it in 2004.
In addition, the bishops have supported:
- Measures that control the sale and use of firearms, such as universal background checks for all gun purchases;
- Limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines;
- A federal law to criminalize gun trafficking;
- Improved access to mental health care for those who may be prone to violence;
- Regulations and limitations on the purchasing of handguns; and
- Measures that make guns safer, such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using the gun without permission and supervision.
While acknowledging the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and related jurisprudence, we live in a fallen world with daily advances in modern technology. Some weapons are increasingly capable of easily causing mass murder when used with an evil purpose. Society must recognize that the common good requires reasonable steps to limit access to such firearms by those who would intend to use them in that way."
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VI. PREVIOUS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
FAITH FORMATION AND ADVOCACY
(SELECT EXAMPLES)
FALL 2024 - JPIC JUSTFAITH
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GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS PRAYER VIGIL
FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK (FAN)
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The video is courtesy of Franciscan Action Network (FAN). A new collaborative group of women religious, “Nuns Against Gun Violence,” coordinated candlelight vigils across the country for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Please click on the image below to access the link which includes materials from their Gun Violence Prayer Service.
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"Lifting Our Light in the Darkness:"
A Nuns Against Gun Violence Prayer Service
for National Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 2, 2023)
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© All rights reserved.
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact:
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]
If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact:
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]