This year, the U.S. Surgeon General declared firearm violence in America a public health crisis and confirmed guns are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in America. Preventing gun violence is a multifaceted effort. While assisting with food or housing insecurities does indirectly prevent gun violence, now is the time to be direct.
Everyone, including your congregation, has a role to play in preventing gun violence. If we are to stop Iowa from continuing to out pace national gun violence percentages, we must take bold action and have difficult conversations. Our children deserve to live free from gun violence.
I served in the Army Reserves Military Police during the Persian Gulf War and I have used what I learned in the military to share the importance of secure gun storage. I’ve been involved with suicide prevention and gun violence prevention efforts for over seven years. I currently sit on the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Working Group. This year, I helped craft “An Overture Calling for Action so that Children May Live Free from Gun Violence” that unanimously passed the General Assembly.
The PC USA has a long history of working to prevent gun violence. If your congregation has adopted the Matthew 25 program, gun violence prevention is part of this ministry. If your congregation or social justice team is interested in learning more about the programs supported by the PC USA, I would be happy to provide an introduction to these efforts and share how we can all work together to create a culture of responsible gun ownership.
Temple Hiatt (she/her)
319-400-2884
Temple Hiatt, member of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Working Group. recently did a presentation at Mt. Pleasant, First. She is available to present at your church.
