May Report for Gun Violence Prevention Ministry
On April 7, a strong contingent of Episcopalians joined Moms Demand Action in Jefferson City for their annual advocacy day for common sense gun laws. After orientation, The Rev. Jeff Goldone led us in a moment of prayer on the capitol steps, praying for everyone affected by gun violence in Missouri. While our interactions with lawmakers were limited and yielded a variety of results, we know that every time we stand up to our leaders and demand safety for all Missourians we are doing the Lord’s work, and will continue to do so.
Next up is Wear Orange Weekend, June 5 through 7, which marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day. There will be a variety of events throughout the state, including a Columbia observance in Douglass Park on Friday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. In St. Louis county, on Sunday afternoon, there will be a march from Webster Groves Presbyterian Church to Emmanuel Episcopal Church beginning at 1:30 p.m. All are invited to join and bring your protest signs! But even if there isn’t a public event near you, we are asking all churches in the diocese to join the weekend’s events, by encouraging parishioners to wear orange on that Sunday, and by including liturgical elements that recognize the crisis of gun violence and honor all of the victims.
To find out more about the work of the Gun Violence Prevention Mission Team or to get connected to your parish representative, please email gunsafety@diocesemo.org.
FAQ
What to Expect at Advocacy Day
About The Missioner for Gun Violence Prevention
Gun violence impacts the lives of every community within the Diocese of Missouri. We have seen a steady rise in the level of gun violence that goes well beyond the heartbreaking increase in mass shootings. As followers of Jesus, we are charged with building Beloved Community, a community in which everyone is cared for, absent of poverty, hunger, violence, and hate.
The Mission for Gun Violence Prevention seeks to equip members of the Diocese of Missouri to advocate for changes in gun policy on the local and state level while offering opportunities for formation and education on the impact of gun violence on communities. The Mission also invites members of the Diocese and the broader communities of faith in our area to gather in vigil to honor those who have been lost to gun violence. We also promote visibility through Wear Orange events.
The Co-Missioners for Gun Violence Prevention are Janet Hyde, who focuses on education, and Jeff Wunrow, who focuses on advocacy. They lead a team of Parish Representatives in monthly meetings to talk about their shared mission. The Rev. Meghan Ryan, Rector of St. Timothy’s in Creve Couer, is our former Missioner and is still committed to the liturgical work within our parishes. You can reach any of the leaders at gunsafety@diocesemo.org.
The missioner's responsibilities include:
- The creation of a Council of Advice along with naming associate missioners to assist in carrying out their duties.
- Provide theological, scriptural, liturgical, and foundational resources for this ongoing work: lament, advocacy, and education.
- Provide responses in conjunction with the Bishop.
- Provide resources to communities of faith within the Diocese around advocating and acting on the behalf of the unhoused, oppressed, and marginalized.
- Provide opportunities for preaching and teaching in communities of faith that make up the Diocese.
- Submit an annual report to the Diocesan Convention.
- Plan the Diocesan Gun Violence Vigil in December with the Bishop and other community leaders.
Gun Violence Prevention Parish Representatives
- Janet Thompson – Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia
- ·Diane Chalberg and Lore Gross, Christ Church Cathedral
- ·Bob Crecelius – Christ Episcopal Church, Cape Girardeau
- ·Mimi Shipp – Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Webster Groves
- ·Machelle West – Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension, Northwoods
- ·Bill Wallace – Episcopal Church of St. Michael and St. George, Clayton
- ·Kari Potts – Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, University City
- ·Tony Ortiz – Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, Poplar Bluff
- ·Greg Barnett, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Lake St. Louis
- ·Julie Heise – Grace Episcopal Church, Jefferson City
- ·Betty Bowersox – Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
- ·John Richards – St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tower Grove
- ·Becky Brewer – St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Ellisville
- ·Jim Harris – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Carondelet
- ·Janet Hyde – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Ladue
- ·Charles Schumacher – St. Stephen’s and The Vine Episcopal Church, Ferguson
- ·Rev. Meghan Ryan and Florrie Kohn – St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Creve Coeur
- ·Tricia and Carlos Daughaday, Trinity Episcopal Church, Central West End