Resolutions are written or verbal commitments. Resolutions can be personal commitments or can invite a group to engage a commitment. What follows is a model resolution usable for your personal or group, council or assembly commitment. It is a model call to action for gun violence prevention. Read and act.
WHEREAS, the Statement of Purpose from the ELCA Constitution calls us to “Lift its voice in concert with forces for good, to serve humanity, cooperating with Church and other groups participating in activities that promote justice, relieve misery and reconcile the estranged;
WHEREAS, the Mission of ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention is to MEDITATE on, EDUCATE about, and ADVOCATE for gun violence prevention in the nonviolent Spirit of Jesus Christ;
AND WHEREAS, the Statement of Purpose and the Mission of ENGAGE are consistent with saving lives;
RESOLVED, we urge congregations to stir conversation on gun violence prevention (GVP) by inviting ENGAGE representatives to guide such discussion, and by encouraging individuals to utilize the resources within the ENGAGE website: engageelca.org;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, as rightly focused laws save lives and the Minnesota Legislature is debating several life saving bills which also respect the right of responsible people to purchase and use firearms, we urge congregations to study and consider supporting the following House Bills: HF0014: Criminal Backgroupd Checks be required for firearm transfers; HF0015: Red Flag or Extreme risk Protective Orders which would enable family members and law enforcement to petition a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms if they pose a significant danger to themselves and others by possessing a firearm; HF0396: Safe storage of firearms and ammunition and required locking devices; HF0601: Lost and stolen firearms be required to be reported to law enforcement; HF1946: Possession of dangerous weapons in Capitol to be prohibited;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, congregations be urged to study and consider supporting the passage of the following Senate Bills: SF0916: firearm and ammunition storage requirements and locking device inclusion; SF1767: Common law duty to retreat in cases; SF1429: Criminal background checks required for firearm transfers; SF1185: Law enforcement and family members petitioning of a court to prohibit people from possessing firearms of they pose a significant danger to themselves or others by posessing a firearm; SF0606: Lost or stolen firearms reporting promptly to law enforcement; SF0353: Possession of dangerous weapons in the Capitol complex prohibition; SF1723: Concealed carry of firearms modification.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, following study and prayer, we urge each person to consider actions of conscience, and contacting their elected representative and senator and expressing their opinions. Your representative and senator may be located by Googling: House MN and Senate MN. In-depth descriptions of proposed laws may be accessed by going to the same internet sites.
SUBMITTED BY: ENGAGE: Lutherans for Gun Violence Prevention
Resolutions are commitments, Confessions of Faith in action for the sake of peace, justice and love in the world. Call them “faith active in love”. In the name of Jesus, let us commit to love.
Blessings and Peace!
Ron Letnes (Rev. Dr.)