Support the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023

From Monday, June 6 to Monday, June 12, 2023, family members of students who were killed at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14th, 2018 will hold a seven-day Youth Survivor sit-in at the U.S. Capitol. They are inviting survivors from across the country who have been impacted by gun violence to join them as Congress debates S.25 Assault Weapons Ban of 2023. As United Methodists, we stand with them in spirit and action as we promise to promote stronger gun violence prevention laws that will save precious lives.  

What Does the Church Say?

The United Methodist Council of Bishops in their 2022 Pastoral Letter “Call to Prayer and Action in Response to Gun Violence” states:  “This is a call to action for all to weep with those who weep and demand, insist on, and push for positive change from our elected officials.”  

Their Pastoral Letter further urges, “We call people to prayer and to work with ecumenical and interfaith partners in our public witness. We call for congregations to use United Methodist Church resources for Bible study and advocacy in their efforts to reduce gun violence. We support the ban on assault weapons and urge Church and government support for communities affected by the trauma of gun violence. We are committed to sharing Christ-centered compassion as we walk alongside those who have been victims of gun violence. We call on all United Methodists to advocate for safer communities, safer schools, and building bridges to beloved community.”

Take Action in the Public Square

In addition to joining the families of gun violence survivors and victims at the sit-in in Washington, D.C., you can also write a letter to your members of congress and ask them to support the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 using the tool below.