Gun Violence
- Profiles in Catholicism
- Jun 27, 2018
- 14 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Prayer
A prayer to end gun violence
“Evidence and Action”
Lord, “In 2019 alone, more than 250,000 people died as a result of firearms worldwide. Nearly 71% of gun deaths were homicides, about 21% were suicides” .
Why are we killing each other and ourselves?
Lord, “Nearly nine out of 10 people killed by gun violence in 2019 were men. The highest number of homicide deaths occurred among people 20-24 years old, while the highest number of gun-enabled suicides happened among those aged 55-59” .
Why are men killing themselves so frequently? Why are the young dying of gun-deaths? Why are the middle-aged killing themselves?
Lord, ‘Gun violence in Latin America is exceptionally high, due in no small part to the prevalence of criminal gangs and a vibrant drug trafficking industry’ .
Why do gangs and drug trafficking proliferate?
Lord, there were “120, 000 gun-related killings in the United States between 2001 and 2010 .
What is a reasonable weapon? Who can possess one? Where can a gun be kept safely?
Lord, in Europe, “researchers noted that a proliferation of gun availability can lead to an arms race among criminals, increased rates of gun violence and general feelings of insecurity among the general public”
What will turn us from rising violence to making peace?
Lord, “In contrast to the U.S. and Latin America, gun deaths are extremely rare in countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Australia. These countries have implemented incentives or passed legislation to decrease the number of firearms in circulation .
Who will we learn from?
Lord, “By comparison, gun-related homicides and suicides fell precipitously, and mass-shootings dropped to zero, when the Australian government passed a series of gun-access restrictions in 1996” .
When will we act?
Lord, “in July 2021, Australia implemented a permanent gun amnesty program, in which unregistered firearms could be anonymously surrendered at police stations” .
As imperfect as we are, what kind of society are we seeking to establish?
May Mary, the Mother of the Lord and Joseph her spouse, together with the Lord Jesus Christ, renew life and love today! by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Those Murdered in the Highland Park Parade and their Families and Friends
Good and Gracious God,
We ask you to comfort the families who had friends and family lost in the brutal attach on the Highland Park Parade. Help them to remember the good things that happened to those who perished. May we take seriously our responsibility to put a halt on the use and abuse of guns in our society.
May all who perished be filled with the light of eternal life. We ask you this through Christ, our Lord, Amen by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
Interviews
Book Reviews/Commentaries
God and Guns in America by Michael Austin Reviewed by Dr. Patrick Toner The Catholic World Report
Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA by Tim Mak Reviewed by Gabino Iglasias NPR
Film Reviews/Commentaries
Nitram Reviewed by Clarisse Loughrey Independent
Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down Reviewed by Terry Tang The Associated Press
Medical Journal Articles
The Supreme Court Decision on Firearm Ownership for People Subject to Restraining Orders by Lawrence O. Gostin, JD and Stephen I. Vladeck, JAMA July 15, 2024
COPD Mortality, Goals-of-Care Conversations in Serious Illness, and Advocating for Climate Change Science and Gun Violence by Kristin Walter, MD, MS JAMA June 7, 2023
General Articles and Commentaries
‘Put the Guns Down’: Catholic sisters launch campaign to curb gun violence by Kate Quiñones Catholic News Agency
West Virginia man indicted for fatal Maryland shootings by The Associated Press
Inside the Historic Suit That the Gun Industry and Republicans Are on the Verge of Killing by Vernal Coleman ProPublica
2 juveniles charged in mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade by Nick Ingram, Scott McPetridge and Jim Sauter The Associated Press
What to know about a shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch by Juan A. Lozano Religion News Service
5 people were wounded in a shooting after a homecoming event at Morgan State University in Baltimore by Lea Skene and Denise Lavoie The Associated Press
Prophet of Doom’ who wounded 10 in New York City subway shooting is sentenced to life in prison by Jake Offenhartz and Bobby Caina Calvin The Associated Press
Biden says gun violence 'tearing communities apart' after latest mass shootings by Kanishka Singh Reuters/Yahoo
Capitol rioter linked to Proud Boys gets 5 years in prison for pepper-spraying police by Alanna Durkin Richer The Associated Press
Fatal shooting inside Lebanon mosque leaves 1 dead, 5 injured by Zoey Khalid Globe Echo
The wave of mass shootings over the Fourth of July highlights the challenges police face by Alanna Durkin Richer and Colleen Long The Associated Press
2 people are dead and 28 people were injured in mass shooting at a Baltimore block party, officials say by Melissa Alonso and Sophie Tanno CNN
Unanimous Supreme Court Ruling Eases Prison Sentences for Some Gun Crimes by Zachary Stieber The Epoch Times
One-year-old among nine people wounded in Memorial Day mass shooting at Florida beach boardwalk by Graeme Massie,Shweta Sharma, and Ariana Baio The Independent
Sex, money, and cloistered nuns? The strange case of Bishop Olson and the Fort Worth Carmelites by The Pillar
Man charged with murder after 3 dead in New Mexico biker shootout by Andrew Hay Reuters
Police identify gunman who killed 3 and wounded six as he roamed a New Mexico neighborhood, shooting at random by Elizabeth Wolfe and Amy Simonson CNN
8 killed and 7 wounded in Texas mall shooting. The gunman is also dead by John Miller, Ashley Killough and Andy Rose CNN
Pope mourns victims of senseless mass shootings in Serbia by Linda Bordoni Vatican News
Man allegedly guns down parents and their 2 friends days after his release from prison by Emily Shapiro, Alexandra, and Teddy Grant The Associated Press/Yahoo
Gun Violence Affects More Than Half of US Adults by Emily Harris JAMA April 19, 2023
2 teens face murder charges for the Sweet 16 party massacre that left 4 dead and 32 injured, Alabama police say by Isabel Rosales, Holly Yan and Elizabeth Wolfe CNN
Four dead and several injured after related shootings on Maine interstate and at nearby home by Graig Graziosi The Independent
7 dead, including child, after gunmen storm Mexican resort by ABC News
Pope marks 25 years of Ireland’s Good Friday agreement by Elise Ann Allen Crux
Mass shooting at a Louisville bank leaves 5 dead and 6 wounded, police say. The shooter is dead by Kristina Sgueglia, Eric Levenson and Caroll Alvarado CNN
Chicago parishes co-sponsor Gun Buyback Events to stem gun violence by Lisa Zengarini Vatican News
'Get off the sauce, Lindsey': Former GOP adviser urges 'parasite' Graham to dump Trump by Tom Boggioni Raw Story
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Accused of Hypocrisy Over Request for Federal Aid by Ewan Palmer Newsweek
Republicans engage in Holocaust revisionism to justify their pro-gun platform by LGBTQ Nation/MSN
Biden issues executive order on guns, calls on Congress to reduce gun violence by Kate Scanlon OSV News/Angelus
Reform and social justice: 10 years of Pope Francis by Clément Melki AFP/ Buenos Aires Times
Washington State House Votes to Ban Assault Weapons by The Associated Press/The Skanner
6 people shot, killed in series of shootings in Mississippi; suspect in custody by Melissa Alonso CNN
Despite Decades of Mass Shootings in Texas, Legislators Have Failed to Pass Meaningful Gun Control Laws by Jessica Priest and Perla Trevizo ProPublica
The AP Interview takeaways: Pope decries expanding gun use by Nicole Winfield The Associated Press
The Anti-Gun Violence Hustle by Sean Cooper Tablet
3 killed and at least 4 wounded in overnight shooting in Los Angeles by Andi Babineau and Jay Croft CNN
At least 7 dead, 1 injured and suspect in custody after shootings in Half Moon Bay, California, official says by Joe Sutton CNN
Ten killed in Monterey Park shooting at Chinese New Year celebrations by Shweta Sharma and Rich Booth Independent.UK
50 shots fired in deadly nightclub attack by Bill Hutchinson ABC 7 Chicago
Supporters disappointed by failure of ‘Scout’s Honor Law’ during lame duck session by Matthew Rand NPR WOSU 89.7
New Pa. speaker puts sexual abuse lawsuit window atop agenda by Mark Scolforo The Associated Press
Mayor: Teacher shot by 6-year-old 'red flag for the country' by Denise Lavoie Yahoo
Woman dead and multiple injured after Christmas Eve shooting in busy pub by Furvah Shah Independent
I research mass shootings, but I never believed one would happen right where I live by Jack L. Rozdilsky The Star
2 people killed, 2 wounded in shooting outside Chicago high school by Brad Parks and Andy Rose CNN
Pete Buttigieg Blames Colorado Club Massacre on Political Attacks on the LGBTQ Community: ‘Don’t You Dare Act Surprised’ by Benjamin Lindsay Yahoo
Walmart shooting: ‘Multiple fatalities’ as gunman opens fire at Chesapeake, Virginia store by Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Independent
Colorado Springs shooting: Five dead, 18 injured at gay nightclub by Matt Mathers The Independent
5 high school football players shot, 1 dead in Philly: Police by ByIvan Pereira ABC News
30 rounds fired in California school shooting that injured 2 students and 4 staffers, police say by Antonio Planas and Tim Stelloh NBC News
A Memphis shooting rampage -- part of which was livestreamed -- leaves 4 people dead and 3 wounded, and a suspect is in custody by Jennifer Henderson and Nouran Salahieh CNN
The surprising solution to gun violence by Jens Ludwig CNN
2 dead, 5 injured in shooting at crowded San Pedro park by Nathan Solis and Emily Alpert Reyes Yahoo
Gun violence and the deep sadness of our teens by Bishop Robert Barron Word on Fire/Angelus
Teen among 2 fatalities during overnight gun violence that left 17 wounded, including 3 injured in the Gold Coast by Talia Soglin Chicago Tribune/Flipboard
Haitians continue to flee gang violence in the capital, as U.N. prepares to vote on its role by Jacqueline Charles Miami Herald
Tot among 5 children wounded in 2 quadruple shootings in Philadelphia by Bill Hutchinson ABC News
Justice Dept. Taps Reforming Outsider to Run Federal Prisons by Michael Balsamo and Mhael R. Sisak The Associated Press/The Skanner
Grand jury issues hate crimes, firearms charges on Buffalo mass shooting suspect by Reuters
Gun violence in America: A long list of forgotten victims by Michael Tarm and Brynn Anderson The Associated Press
Cardinal Cupich on shootings: We must remove 'weapons of war' from our streets by Deborah Castellano Lubov Vatican News
Cardinal calls for stricter gun laws after Chicago shooting by CathNews
Officials: 6 killed in shooting at Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois by CBS News
New York Senate passes bill to ban guns from Times Square, mass transit by Nadine El-bawab and Aaron Katersky ABC News
2 Kentucky officers killed, several hurt by gunman who opened fire at his home by Emily Shapir ABC News
U.S. Supreme Court expands gun rights, strikes down New York law by Andrew Chung and Lawrence Hurley Reuters
What the Supreme Court’s Gun Ruling Means For Gun Control by Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux · FiveThirtyEight
Marjorie Taylor Greene Boasts Telling Reporter to 'Go Back to Your Country' When Pressed on U.S. Gun Violence by Virginia Chamle People
Uvalde survivors describe the unimaginable. We should listen. by Houston Chronicle
Senate negotiators announce a deal on guns, breaking logjam by Alan Fram The Associated Press
March For Our Lives: Tens of thousands rally for stricter US gun laws by BBC
Maryland mass shooting: At least 3 dead, 3 injured at Columbia Machine by Jeanine SantucciDave Rhodes and Mike Lewis USA TODAY
Church leaders: Culture of Life means working to end gun violence by John Lavenburg Crux
'This moment is different': Matthew McConaughey urges leaders to address gun violence in honor of Uvalde victims by Maureen Groppe and Rebecca Morin USA TODAY
Gun control activist to DeSantis: 'Love humanity. And do your job.' by Alexander Nazaryan Yahoo News
Archbishop says US has ‘made guns as idols’ after Texas school shooting by John Lavenburg Crux
Buffalo shooting: 10 people killed in a racially motivated mass shooting at a supermarket, police say by Artemis Moshtaghian, Shimon Prokupecz and Emma Tucker CNN
US rocked by 3 mass shootings during Easter weekend; 2 dead by The Associated Press
Biden Aims at ‘Ghost Gun’ Violence With New Federal Rule by The Associated Press/The Skanner
Multiple Children Gunned Down in Kentucky Shooting, Suspect at Large by Chloe Mayer Newsweek
California mass shooting: 6 dead, 10 injured in Sacramento by Adam Beam The Associated Press
11 shot, 1 fatally, at concert in Dallas: Police by Bill Hutchinson ABC News
Gunman kills 5 in mass shooting spree in central Israel by Ilan Ben Zion The Associated Press
Police: 1 Killed, 5 Hurt in Shooting During Portland Protest by The Associated Press/The Skanner
Kodak Black, Two Others Shot Outside Justin Bieber Afterparty in L.A. by Daniel Kreps Rolling Stone
Washington Senate passes legislation to ban sale of high-capacity magazines in historic vote by Washington State Attorney General
America sacramentalizes guns as God's gift to the good. This is heresy by Thomas Reese, Religion News Service/National Catholic Reporter
6 teens hospitalized after shooting at park in Aurora, Colorado by ABC News/Microsoft News
JCPenney Shooting Sees Multiple People Gunned Down Inside Mall by Anders Anglesey Newsweek/Microsoft News’
CTA Bus Driver Shot In Front Of Chicago Cultural Center Downtown by CBS News/Microsoft News
Multiple' people are injured in Swedish shooting by Charlotte Mitchell and Jack Newman Daily Mail
Schools in Tennessee are put in lockdown and children are evacuated to National Guard armory after reports of active shooter by Christopher Eberhart Daily Mail
English bishop ‘shocked’ by mass shooting in Plymouth by Charles Collins Crux
Chicago Cardinal holds officers, their families 'in prayer,' decries gun violence by Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter
Gang members were ready to go to war, AG says in announcing gun violence crackdown by S.P. Sullivan N.J.com
New York governor declares gun violence a health emergency by BBC News
Please Read My Friend's Article on Gun Violence by Mary Pezzulo Patheos
Family left in shock by shooting of young Palestinian woman by Josef Federman The Associated Press
Man pleads guilty to shooting Black girl at Iowa Trump rally by Ryan J. Foley The Associated Press
AP: Some stolen US military guns used in violent crimes by Kristin M. Hall, James Laporta, Justine Pritchard and Justine Myers The Associated Press
Mexico: Priest killed in shootout between drug gangs by Independent Catholic News
Rash of mass shootings stirs US fears heading into summer by Kathleen Food The Associated Press
Shooting in Texas capital leaves 14 wounded; one suspect still at large by Reuters
California Bishop Prays For Victims Of ‘Senseless’ San Jose Shooting by Catholic news Service/The Tablet
Bring back the assault weapons ban by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Reporter
Asian Americans grieve, organize in wake of Atlanta attacks by Terry Tanf The Associated Press
10 People, Including Police Officer, Killed In Colorado Grocery Store Shooting by Patty Nieberg, James Anderson, and Colleen Slevin The Associated Press
Stray bullet falls at feet of priest celebrating Mass in Brazil by Catholic News Agency/The Catholic World Report
Shooting at St. John the Divine Christmas Concert Cathedral Leaves Gunman Dead, Crowd Shaken by Melissa Enaje The Tablet
Cameroon’s Catholics in fear after gunmen attacks claim 7 lives by Patrick Egwu The Dispatch/The Catholic World Report
What pro-life Catholics are doing to fight suicide, the death penalty, poverty, hunger, gun violence and police killings, the opioid epidemic and wars by Molly Cahill America
Mass Shootings in America 2009 – 2020 by Everytown for Gun Safety
Dialogue on Gun Control, Regulation, & Gun Bans by Dave Armstrong Patheos’
Pope Francis gives El Paso bishop rosaries for victims of Walmart shooting by CNA/The Catholic World Report
Amid year's violence, Catholic leaders decry shootings, urge policy changes by Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
Remembering Sandy Hook and All by Redbud Writers Guild Patheos
Lockdown lifted at Jackson State after active shooter report by The Associated Press
Woman hit with Bullet and Seriously Injured while Praying Novena at Catholic Church in Haiti by Jesus Caritas Est Catholic News World
A Shooting Every Day. The Supreme Court Strikes a Blow against Guns by Dominic Preziosi Commonweal
In Santa Clarita, a church grapples with the aftermath of a deadly school shooting by Alejandra Molina Religion News Service
California school shooting hits home for Santa Clarita Catholics by Tom Hoffarth CNS/The Pilot
Ex-NFL player calls on Church leaders to speak up on gun violence by Christopher White Crux
El Paso, Dayton and Gilroy Shootings, Gun Safety and White Supremacism by Ejaz Naqvi MD Patheos
What the Church does – and does not – teach about gun control by Mary Farrow The Catholic World Report
America is addicted to guns, and we're in denial by Father Daniel P Horan, OFM National Catholic Reporter
Clergy protest outside Mitch McConnell’s office, demand action on gun violence by Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
Catholic school expels student posting racist videos threatening black people by Associated Press/Crux
The Left’s Race War; There are some very bad people on both sides of the race obsession by James Kirchick Tablet
Editorial: American carnage, revisited by NCR Editorial Staff National Catholic Reporter
Which Side Are We On? by E. J. Dionne Jr. Commonweal\
Religious orders owning slaves isn’t new—black Catholics have emphasized this history for years by Shannen Dee Williams America
How the Catholic Church could help lead a gun control movement by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
Shooting at California Food Festival Leaves Community in Shock by Currents News
‘They put a gun to my head,’ says Honduran mother of six by David AgrenJCatholic News Service/Crux
The Cold, Dead Hand of the NRA by Matt Seaton NYR Daily
What our legislators need to do to break the pattern of mass shootings by Matt Malone, S.J. America
After Virginia Beach tragedy, bishops call for curbs on gun violence by Christopher White Crux
US: Bishops Issue Statement on Florida Mass Shooting by Zenit Staff Zenit
‘God weeps’: Catholic leaders help community cope with STEM school shooting by CNA Daily News/National ;Catholic Report
At the Altar of the Gun: High School Shootings and the Sin of Blood Atonement by Erin Wather Patheos
'No greater love' — Denver Catholics remember Kendrick Castillo, who died in STEM school shooting by Mary Rezac Catholic News Agency/Angelus
Cory’s Plan to End the Gun Violence Epidemic by Cory Booker Medium
Community gathers at funerals for Tree of Life synagogue shooting victims by Bill Schackner and Peter Smith Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Easter at Columbine by Philip Yancey Patheos
David Hogg in Minneapolis: Work Together on Gun Violence by Jack Hartjes Patheos
Work Together on Gun Violence by Jack Hartjes Patheos
On Parkland anniversary, Catholic leaders seek to curb gun violence by Christopher White Crux
America’s gun problem, explained by German Lopez Vox
The Conservative Case for Gun Control by Michael Mohr, SJ The Jesuit Post
Interfaith community gathers to remember gun violence victims by Angelus Staff
Shooting in Strasbourg by Marie Malzac LaCroix International
Gunman kills 4, then himself, after Mass at Brazil cathedral by Associated Press/America
Nine thousand firearms and counting: Illegal guns flood Chicago by Sharon Cohen America
‘The World Moves On And You Don’t.’ Parents Who Lost Children in School Shootings Find Comfort in a Group No One Wants to Join by Haley Sweetland Edwards and Belinda Luscombe Time
Gunmen attack Chinese consulate in Karachi by Asad Hashim Aljazerra
Cardinal DiNardo calls for 'reasonable' gun control after Chicago hospital shooting by CNA/EWTN News
Lucy McBath lost her son to gun violence. Now, she wants to fight the hate that fuels it. by Lucia McBath America
Mom with 'gut feeling' stops school shooter before planned attack by Elise Solé Yahoo Lifestyle
Philippine artist creates Christ image with guns, bullets by Ronald Reyes La Croix International!
Cardinal Cupich praises activists against gun violence at Good Friday procession by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
March for Our Lives and the Call to Change by Jim Clifford St. James Community of Faith Stratford, CT / Franciscan Action Network
Catholic groups join protest against gun violence at March for Our Lives by Teresa Donnellan America
Editorial: We need extreme risk protection orders by NCR Editorial Staff
Catholic social doctrine sheds light on how to combat gun violence by Michael Sean Winters National Catholic Reporter
What Does the Church Say About Gun Control? by Jimmy Akin Catholic Answers
How the Catholic Church could help lead a gun control movement by Michael J. O’Loughlin America
Inaction and opportunity on gun laws around the country by Ellen K. Boegel America
Pope Francis, U.S. bishops offer prayers after another act of “horrifying evil” in Florida school shooting by Gerard O’Connell America
Pope Francis voices sorrow for 'devastating' Florida school attack by Elise Harris Catholic News Agency
In light of faith: Take action against gun violence by Christopher White Catholic News Service
Sad, tired and angry: A prayer in the face of gun violence by James Martin, SJ America
After another high profile shooting, a background check on gun rights by Ellen K. Boegel America
Gun control: A pro-life issue by Elizabeth Lefebvre US Catholic
For U.S. Catholic bishops, now is the time to speak up on gun violence by Michael Bayer The Washington Post
The Cardinal Trying to Save Chicago by Emma Green The Atlantic
US bishops throw support to Obama's gun control proposal by Michael O'Loughlin CRUX
For U.S. Catholic bishops, now is the time to speak up on gun violence by Michael Bayer The Washington Post
Gun control: Church firmly, quietly opposes firearms for civilians by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
A Catholic case for gun control by Rachael Travis and Sister Marge Clark, B.V.M. US Catholic
Gun Control is a Pro-Life Issue by James Martin, S.J. America
Videos
VIEWER WARNING: 2 shot dead during chaotic, violent Jacob Blake protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin
A Catholic Response to Gun Control - ENN 2018-02-21
by EWTN
Reports
