• let our parishioners and others know what they can do right now* to protect themselves, their families and others from gun violence.
• give interested parishioners and others good, useful information about guns, gun violence and related issues
• help interested parishioners and others, and All Saints itself, be effective advocates for meaningful legislative and other action to reduce and eventually end gun violence in our community, in California and across the nation
• honor those killed by gun violence and respect and support gun violence survivors

* how to store and handle guns and ammunition safely • what to ask when children are going to friends’ houses • what children should and should not do if they find a gun • how to use gun violence restraining orders to have guns removed from individuals in crisis before they hurt or kill someone • and more.

We’re appalled at the record-shattering number of guns in America and at the growing toll of deaths and injuries they cause – now about 40,000 dead every year, almost 110 deaths every day, about two-thirds from suicide. Since 1968 more Americans have been killed by guns than have been killed in all the wars America has ever been in. Mass shootings get our attention, but the great majority of gun injuries and deaths take place quietly in houses, neighborhoods and communities across the country every day.

Looking forward, we are heartened that nationwide a growing majority of Americans – even most members of the NRA – favor common sense gun control, the NRA is being exposed at last, great organizations like Brady United and Moms Demand Action (to name two) are growing stronger and fighting hard and, best of all, able young people (think Parkland) are fiercely committed.

We are also heartened, as you might be too, that All Saints is addressing this issue.

THERE IS HOPE!

Look over your investments. Gun companies are often concealed in mutual funds or identified by a symbol or company name that the average investor may not recognize as a gun-related.

Call your stockbroker and/or the fund manager of your mutual funds. Ask if you are invested in any gun companies or funds that may be exposed to gun companies.  By raising questions about the content of your portfolio, you can make informed decisions regarding where your money is invested.

All types of firearms are accepted, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, antiques, or replicas, regardless of their condition. There are no costs associated with surrendering your firearm. Community members can request a police officer to respond to their home or business in Pasadena, where they can surrender the weapon.  Individuals may also transport the unloaded weapon to the Pasadena Police Department at 207 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena.  If you intend to transport the firearm into the police station, please contact the Pasadena Police Department beforehand at (626) 744-4241.  The police operator will provide instruction on the safe and legal means for transportation.  Gun registration or related paperwork is helpful, although not necessary to voluntarily surrender the firearm.

The police department also accepts unwanted ammunition; however, military ordinance requires special handling and will be evaluated for safe disposal by law enforcement personnel on a case by case basis.

Removing unwanted firearms by turning them into law enforcement is an important step community members can take to ensure guns never end up in unintended hands and possibly used in a violent crime.

• O God of Life, Creator of the universe, Sustainer of all, we come before you in sorrow and anger at the killing on our streets and in our schools, workplaces and houses of worship. We come in repentance at our own participation in the culture of violence in our land. We come in hope borne of past victories over injustice, asking for strength and clarity and fortitude, that we might bring about transformation in our laws, in the ways we resolve conflict and address fear, in our tolerance for violence, in the hearts of our leaders and our fellow Americans. May we become a people who put our trust in You, not in our weapons. By your mighty power, and in your overwhelming love, renew our vision for peace and safety in our land, beginning with us today, we pray. Amen
  [source: Interfaith Council of Southwestern CT]
• For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. — Galatians 5:13-15
• You must all think of what is best for each other and for the community. — Thessalonians 5:16

Federal Law and Legislation — CRS Report on Gun Laws and Legislation. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL32842.pdf

California Laws
https://oag.ca.gov/firearms

Gun Safety
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

• Brady Campaign http://www.bradycampaign.org/
• Mayors Against Illegal Guns https://everytown.org/mayors/
• Coalition to Stop Gun Violence http://csgv.org/
• Women Against Gun Violence http://wagv.org/
• Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles http://www.vpcgla.org/
• National Association of Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/
• Asking Saves Kids http://askingsaveskids.org/
• Campaign to Unload