Let’s put our problem in perspective. In the one year we’ve been at war in Iraq, over 700 soldiers have been killed. In that exact same period of time, 28,000 Americans died from guns here at home. That’s 40 times the number of soldiers killed in war.
It’s tragic that our government has not noticed, but it is even more tragic that the majority of the faith community seems oblivious to it, and is still unconvinced that it should be fully engaged.
One of my heroes, Martin Luther King, Jr. said in the midst of the civil rights crisis, “More than anything else, I fear the silence of the churches.”
Jewish and African American communities today are fighting on the front lines of this issue, but, the white Christian community is afraid and intimidated by a boisterous few who raise hell, if, in church, anything is said about guns.
This small minority says challenging gun violence is partisan politics, even though bullets kill Republicans, Democrats and Independents. This minority threatens to stop giving or to leave the church; they scare some clergy about losing members or disturbing the peace of the fellowship. And their most successful weapon is guns are not a spiritual issue. Let’s be clear: Whenever any of God’s children die, it is a spiritual matter. But when 80 people die by guns every day, it is a burning spiritual issue.
Since 1974, when one of my members was shot and killed, I’ve been fighting this evil. I’ve mailed letters, raised funds, marched and fought for the common sense to keep guns out of bars and off school property. I’ve made thousands of contacts with clergy asking for their help. Many have responded, and I quote, “I’m horrified by the figures you cite, thank you for raising the issue. I’ll pray for you. But, I can’t sign a petition, or a clergy letter, I can’t preach on it, I won’t bring this up before the officers because some of our members really get upset. This is just too divisive for us. I’m really sorry”
Having been a pastor I understand that; I also know it is the death knell of the church, which has never in all of its history been able to keep everyone happy. We have a higher calling. Eighty gun deaths a day demand some righteous indignation.
I ask you to do three things:
1. Find some friends and go together to your spiritual leaders, present them with plain facts.
2. Encourage them to find their voice and assure them of your continuing support.
3. Remind them that three quarters of Americans support a ban on assault weapons and the agenda of the Million Mom March. That includes NRA members 2-1. Tell your leaders you are tired of having a few extremists muzzle the moral voice of your congregation.
Go home and wake up the Giant. Rock the boat And hang tough! We need the moral voice of your congregation.
Thank you very much!
Posted May 19, 2004 
James E. Atwood, a retired Presbyterian pastor, is interfaith coordinator for the Million Mom March.
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