The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is saddened by the all-too-frequent occurrences of gun violence in the U.S. We mourn the loss of life. We grieve for the victims and their families, who often feel silenced. And we lament for those who have done violence to others and often feel removed from a community of faith.
We invite you on a journey of prayer, scripture, stories and church teachings with this resource, "A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence." Together through daily observances, it calls us to work toward the prevention of gun violence as people of God who strive for justice and peace in all the world. It may be used for individual reflection, group Bible study, adult education sessions, and congregational daily devotions. Your journey is intended to start on June 16th, but this resource can be used at any time.
In 1994, the ELCA adopted the social message Community Violence, calling for advocacy to end the cycle of violence in the U.S. Twenty-five years later, this message is still relevant and should be considered another resource on your journey. Also available to download are an easy-to-use guide and appendix noting key documents and actions, and a gun violence litany.