Gun Violence Prevention
The Diocese of Missouri is committed to doing all we can to end the pandemic of gun violence. We do this through advocacy, prayer, public witness, and pastoral care.
Diocesan members Jeff Wunrow and Janet Hyde are serving as associate missioners of this ministry. They lead a team who serves as the Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee, whose work centers on promoting gun safety, legislative advocacy, and education. You can reach them at [email protected].
Gun Violence Prevention Advisory Committee Members:
- Donna Bernart - St. Francis Episcopal Church, Eureka
- Betty Bowersox - Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
- Sally Boyd - St. Barnabas, Florissant
- Lore Gross - Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis
- Colleen Haggerty - Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
- Machelle West - The Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension, Northwoods
- Jeff Wunrow - Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Louis
Get information about current issues at the Missouri State Capitol and contact your state lawmakers through our Voter Voice action center:
Ministry News
Conversations for Suicide Safe Homes
The Safer Homes Collaborative, a joint effort between firearm and suicide prevention advocates has created the free training, Conversations for Suicide Safer Homes (CSSH), to teach community members how to have a conversation about access to lethal means with someone who is suicidal.
Gun Violence Prevention Ministry: May Update
Get the latest information about legislative efforts at the state capitol, Wear Orange Weekend, and ways you can support common sense gun laws.
Advocate for Common Sense Gun Legislation
Let your state legislators know you support common sense gun laws!
Gun Violence Prevention Update: February 26, 2024
With the Missouri legislative session well underway, the diocesan Gun Violence Prevention team offers ways you can support common sense gun legislation.
Responding to Mass Shooting in Kansas City
One person was killed and more than 20 others injured in Kansas City on Feb. 14, 2024, as gunfire rang out at that city's Super Bowl victory celebration.
Bishop Deon Johnson offers reflection, prayer, and resources in response to this gun violence.
Voter Voice Comes to Missouri
Voter Voice is an easy way to communicate with your state lawmakers and live out your baptismal covenant and the mission of our church.
Lament, Hope, and Resolve to End Gun Violence
Religious leaders from seven faith traditions united for a prayer vigil to remember those who have died or been victimized by gun violence.
Letter Writing Campaign: Gun Violence Prevention
We are encouraging people of all faiths to send letters to our state legislative leaders asking that sensible gun legislation gets assigned to committee in a timely manner so we can have a public debate on the issues.
Gun Violence Awareness Sunday: Dec. 10, 2023
The Rev. Mary Haggerty outlines ways churches and individuals can mark Gun Violence Awareness Sunday.
Be SMART: Step Five - Tell your peers to Be SMART
The final article in our series to protect children from gun violence is to tell others how to be SMART. Here's how you can share the information.