The United States Surgeon General recently reported on gun violence. The urgency for action to lessen gun violence was prompted by statistical data. USA, we have a problem. The data from the CDC and WHO reveal that firearm deaths in the USA compared…

Comparisons lead to perspectives. Comparisons help set goals. I ran my fastest 440 yard dash in 52.8 seconds. The national 440 yard dash record is 45.8. Perspective. Goal. Similarly, comparing Minnesota gun violence with California gun violence lends perspective and goal. Everytown reviewed…

ENGAGE presented a resolution for consideration at the 2024 SPAS Assembly. What follows is the presentation of the resolution followed by the resolution. The purpose of the resolution was “strategic”. I wanted to present a theological rationale for supporting gun violence prevention and…

“And [God’s] name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 “The Spirit of [God] shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and fear…

On 24 October 2023, ENGAGE hosted an online gathering of 34 people to SET THE TABLE for the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Year. The premise was “laws make a difference”. Those states with strong and fair gun laws are also the most gun safe.…

A conversation with John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy, yielded steps forward for GVP. John shared the story of Episcopal Bishops who have organized a united witness for GVP. Inspiring! The ELCA bishops can learn from our Episcopal friends. The differing…

The character of Holy Baptism is presented in the EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN WORSHIP, between pages 225 and 237. From birth to adulthood, Holy Baptism defines the substance of Christian discipleship. Parents, sponsors, confirmands and adults are called to profess their faith and obedience to…

The 2nd Amendment has been used and abused to justify unbridled gun purchases and unfettered use resulting in murder in the mass and tragedy of grief. The Christian is graced and called to a discipleship of perspective love in addressing this bloody pathos.…

All too frequently we hear that gun violence is the #1 cause of death of youth and children. In my youth we heard of measles, mumps polio and chickenpox. Now, they are down the list. Shari, a California GVP friend, alerted me to…

Dear Senator and Representative, As of this morning there have been 131 mass shootings in the United States. The ratio of gun deaths between other western developed nations and the United States is 25:1. Honestly, do 400 million guns keep us safe? I…