Church people are now associated with gun violence. I am a church member. Jesus got mad and cleaned the Temple. Would that action have been a portent or message of future expectations for rabbis or priests or popes or parishes? We are desecrating this wholesome planet and we are shooting each other with guns.
The argument that guns don’t kill, people do, or that mental illness is the “whole” problem with gun violence are excuses that just can’t fly anymore. Guns are manufactured to kill. “Sane” people carry guns in cars, in pockets, to church, in grocery carts, in purses, hospitals, theaters, schools, courts of law, restaurants, and Bible studies. More of us are shot dead every day while others of us are reciting and singing magnificent poetry in prayers in our pews. Then we claim our last amen and the violence starts again. We cry for gun discipline and beg for mercy.
If leaders of churches could unite to make a strong public declaration about what to do to clean up gun violence, then could the blessed power of the churches be a threat to the power of the National Rifle Association? I am 75 years old, one among thousands who are scared. We don’t know what we can do.
Carol Bitz
Vancouver
