Join the ELCA in shaping a faith-based response to gun violence in the U.S. Review the draft social message, focusing on trauma and public peacemaking, and share your feedback. Your voice matters in this critical dialogue for change. Feedback due by Jan. 31, 2024. View all ELCA current social writing projects here.

In the wake of persistent gun-related violence and trauma in the United States, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has embarked on a mission to formulate a structured, faith-based response to this ongoing crisis. The initiative, currently in the form of a draft social message, aims to explore the depths of U.S. gun culture, focusing on trauma, public health, and the critical need for a shared responsibility in peacemaking.

This draft, available for public review, actively seeks feedback from the community. It marks an essential step in the ELCA's efforts to transcend the polarizing debate of gun rights versus gun control, instead choosing to pave a path of constructive dialogue and meaningful action. The message underscores the necessity of collective voices in shaping a society where peace, safety, and respect for life are paramount values.

The ELCA understands that the issue of gun violence affects everyone—directly or indirectly—and therefore, everyone's voice deserves to be heard. As such, the Church encourages individuals and groups to study the message draft in depth and share their reflections, affirmations, concerns, and suggestions. This inclusive approach ensures a diverse range of perspectives and insights, enriching the final document with communal wisdom and collective aspirations.

To contribute, interested parties can access the draft and the response form on the ELCA website. The deadline for feedback is January 31, 2024, after which the draft will undergo revisions based on public input. The ELCA Church Council will then consider the refined message for official adoption in late March 2024.

This initiative is not just about a statement; it's about community, empathy, and the shared vision of a safer, more compassionate world. It's a call to action—because every voice can make a difference.