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Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism

Gun Violence

Updated: Aug 5

Prayer


A prayer to end gun violence

“Evidence and Action”

Lord, “In 2019 alone, more than 250,000 people died as a result of firearms worldwide. Nearly 71% of gun deaths were homicides, about 21% were suicides” .

Why are we killing each other and ourselves?

Lord, “Nearly nine out of 10 people killed by gun violence in 2019 were men. The highest number of homicide deaths occurred among people 20-24 years old, while the highest number of gun-enabled suicides happened among those aged 55-59” .

Why are men killing themselves so frequently? Why are the young dying of gun-deaths? Why are the middle-aged killing themselves?

Lord, ‘Gun violence in Latin America is exceptionally high, due in no small part to the prevalence of criminal gangs and a vibrant drug trafficking industry’ .

Why do gangs and drug trafficking proliferate?

Lord, there were “120, 000 gun-related killings in the United States between 2001 and 2010 .

What is a reasonable weapon? Who can possess one? Where can a gun be kept safely?

Lord, in Europe, “researchers noted that a proliferation of gun availability can lead to an arms race among criminals, increased rates of gun violence and general feelings of insecurity among the general public”

What will turn us from rising violence to making peace?

Lord, “In contrast to the U.S. and Latin America, gun deaths are extremely rare in countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. These countries have implemented incentives or passed legislation to decrease the number of firearms in circulation .

Who will we learn from?

Lord, “By comparison, gun-related homicides and suicides fell precipitously, and mass-shootings dropped to zero, when the Australian government passed a series of gun-access restrictions in 1996” .

When will we act?

Lord, “in July 2021, Australia implemented a permanent gun amnesty program, in which unregistered firearms could be anonymously surrendered at police stations” .

As imperfect as we are, what kind of society are we seeking to establish?

May Mary, the Mother of the Lord and Joseph her spouse, together with the Lord Jesus Christ, renew life and love today! by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Those Murdered in the Highland Park Parade and their Families and Friends

Good and Gracious God,

We ask you to comfort the families who had friends and family lost in the brutal attach on the Highland Park Parade. Help them to remember the good things that happened to those who perished. May we take seriously our responsibility to put a halt on the use and abuse of guns in our society.

May all who perished be filled with the light of eternal life. We ask you this through Christ, our Lord, Amen by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism


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VIEWER WARNING: 2 shot dead during chaotic, violent Jacob Blake protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin


A Catholic Response to Gun Control - ENN 2018-02-21

by EWTN


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