Now Is the Time to Act for Gun Safety

It is a headline we have seen too many times – on February 14th 17 teachers and students in Parkland, FL were killed by a former classmate, who was heavily armed. Despite the horror of recent mass shootings, and the less visible day-to-day toll taken by gun violence around the country, Congress has failed to enact any reasonable gun violence prevention legislation.

It is time to say – Enough! As people of faith, we are called to heal our society’s acceptance of violence and idolatrous fascination with weapons. Here are three things you can do:

1. Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
Even as public support for reasonable gun safety measures, there are some in Congress who are threatening to undermine states’ efforts to strengthen their gun safety laws. There is concern that the Senate may attach the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (which the House passed last year) to any positive legislation that might be advanced. This bill would force states with strong concealed-carry permit requirements to recognize permits issued by states with more lax permit requirements.

This is a dangerous step and has widely been opposed by state governors and law enforcement. Take action – Tell your Senators to oppose concealed carry reciprocity!

2. Join the March for our Lives.
The students of Parkland are inviting us to march with them in Washington, DC and at sister marches throughout the country on March 24th. Planning to come to DC? Let us know and we’ll keep you updated on opportunities to connect with out UCC members in DC.

3. Advocate in your State
There is a lot you can do to advance gun safety legislation from home. Download our two-page guide for ideas.

Enter your information to take action now! Customize your message to maximize its impact.

Subject:

Oppose national concealed carry reciprocity

Dear Official,

I am contacting you a person of faith who believes that addressing the epidemic of gun violence is a moral imperative. As we mourn yet another mass shooting we know that prayer vigils and services of remembrance are not enough – those who have been impacted by gun violence deserve meaningful action to prevent future gun violence.

I am deeply troubled by legislation now before Congress that would take us in the wrong direction on gun safety. I am particularly concerned about federally mandated concealed carry reciprocity legislation, which would force states with strong concealed carry permit requirements to recognized permits issued by states with few or no requirements.

This legislation could have a devastating effect on communities around the country and would significantly complicate the already dangerous work of law enforcement. National reciprocity would make it nearly impossible for state and local law enforcement to determine if a person is carrying a gun legally, putting lives at greater risk.

I believe we are at a point of moral crisis when it comes to gun violence in America. Too many lives have been lost, too many communities have been shattered, and prayers are not enough. We need Congress to take reasonable, meaningful steps to prevent gun violence. We certainly cannot afford to reverse course and weaken gun safety laws.

I urge you to honor the memory of all those lost to gun violence in our nation by opposing measures to weaken gun safety through federally-mandated concealed carry legislation.

Thank you for your careful attention to this issue. I look forward to your response.

Regards, Your Name

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