by Br. Daryl Charron, C.PP.S., Director of Peace & Justice Committee
Our Kansas City Province corporate stance against gun violence states that we advocate for the requirement that more stringent background checks be done before a person can purchase a gun. We profess that uncontrolled and unlimited access to weapons and ammunition of any amount and any type do not foster a culture of life. This week President Obama announced new measures to reduce gun violence in the United States. Using executive action he proposes that all high-volume gun sellers at gun shows and on the internet must conduct background checks. He has suggested measures to improve enforcement of existing gun laws to strengthen the background check system.
We learned from Vincent DeMarco at our gun violence prevention workshop a couple months ago that background checks are the single most effective way to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and save lives. Gun violence in the United States reached epidemic levels in 2015 with 330 mass shootings. We need to do our part in promoting gun violence prevention. The President’s actions will empower prosecutors to go after people who profit by selling guns to dangerous individuals. Please pray that these executive actions take hold and effect change in our country for a safer environment.