The gun violence prevention movement has been invigorated in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings. Several new national organizations have been established. Faith leaders on the local and national level have embraced this work. However, the challenge continues to be enormous. There have been 90 school shootings since the tragedy at Sandy Hook. 32,000 men, women and children continue to lose their lives each year to gun violence.
Washington National Cathedral, Newtown Action Alliance, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, and States United to Prevent Gun Violence have designated December 11 as a day of national vigils, to remember all of those who have been killed and injured by gun violence, and to renew the commitment to the work of preventing gun violence.
In Los Angeles County, individuals and faith communities are encouraged to participate in Light LA. This campaign is sponsored by Women Against Gun Violence, local Brady Campaign Chapters, and Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles. Light LA invites people to put a candle in their window on the evening of December 11 and perhaps attend one of the community vigils or get together with a small group for a time of reflection and witness.
A complete tool kit is available for planning events of any size, and a list of vigils is available at the Women Against Gun Violence website, or by calling WAGV at 310-204-2348.
Yours in Faith,
Virginia Classick and Rev. Sandie Richards
Progressive Christians Uniting Board Members