by ACNS staff

A group of more than 30 bishops of the Episcopal Church have launched a new website to support their campaign to end gun violence.

Bishops Against Gun Violence  was established to explore how to reduce "the appalling levels of gun violence in our society, and to advocate for policies and legislation that save lives."

The group forms relationships and coalitiosn by those whose lives have been affected by gun violence, advocates on behalf its victims, and supports all the member bishops as they seek to end gun violence in their communities.

The conveners of the group include Bishop of Newark Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Maryland Eugene Sutton and Connecticut's Bishop Ian Douglas.

Bp Douglas, whose diocese is located in America gun manufacturing capital of Connecticut, told ACNS that the bishops were "creating a space where those who are against gun violence - both gun owners and those without guns - can have a conversation about what would be a sane gun policy for the US at this time."

He added that this model - in which a network of bishops are supporting each other and resourcing each other's dioceses - was a new model of leadership that does not rely on a committee or an official programme to be launched. "It's another model of leadership in the church," he said.

The website, which offers resources - prayers, sermons, hymns and event ideas - for churches wanting to hold gun prevention services. In its What We Want section the bishops write:

"We urge our cities, states and nation to adopt policies and pass legislation that will reduce the number of Americans killed and wounded by gunfire. These include:

• Expanding the federal background checks system to cover gun shows, internet and commercial sales
• Making gun trafficking a federal crime
• Encouraging the development of “smart gun” technology to reduce accidental shootings—especially among children
• Requiring that guns be stored safely
• Improving access to mental healthcare for all Americans."

These are controversial calls in America, where many believe that the US Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms, and that any efforts to interfere with that right is an infringment of their civil liberties. 

For more information visit the website at http://bishopsagainstgunviolence.org/