Author Archives

Archive of the posts written by author: Ron Letnes.
Oct
27

Actions 2025

LEGISLATIVE: Leaders from various GVP organizations are encouraging the following legislative bill actions: 1) Safe storage; 2) Banning guns from polling places; 3) Repeal of the PLCAA-Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This act gives arms manufacturers immunity from lawsuits resulting from…

Oct
15

International Comparisons

The USA can learn from countries that are more gun safe. Three countries that are more gun safe than the USA are: Australia, Norway and Japan. What are they doing that makes their citizens more gun safe? AUSTRALIA. As a result of the…

Aug
23

Surgeon General’s Report

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…

Aug
23

Comparisons

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…

May
14

Presentation and Resolution

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…

Dec
30

OUT OF TRAUMA-EMBRACE OF PEACE

“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…

Oct
27

SETTING THE TABLE

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.…

Jul
20

REFLECTIONS ON LUTHERAN ADVOCACY

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…

Jun
7

PROMISES and INTENSIONS

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…

May
27

GOD’S WILL-GOD’S IMAGE AND THE 2ND AMENDMENT

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.…