WASHINGTON—In
the aftermath of the tragic attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in
Parkland, Florida, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the
USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop George
V. Murry, S.J., of Youngstown, Ohio, Chairman of the Committee on Catholic
Education, urged national leaders to finally come together and address the
crisis of gun violence in a comprehensive way.

The
full statement follows:

“Once
again, we are confronted with grave evil, the murder of our dear children and
those who teach them. Our prayers continue for those who have died, and those
suffering with injuries and unimaginable grief. We also continue our
decades-long advocacy for common-sense gun measures as part of a comprehensive
approach to the reduction of violence in society and the protection of
life.

Specifically,
this moment calls for an honest and practical dialogue around a series of
concrete proposals—not partisanship and overheated rhetoric. The idea of arming
teachers seems to raise more concerns than it addresses. Setting a more
appropriate minimum age for gun ownership, requiring universal background
checks (as the bishops have long advocated), and banning ‘bump stocks’ are
concepts that appear to offer more promise. We must explore ways to curb
violent images and experiences with which we inundate our youth, and ensure
that law enforcement have the necessary tools and incentives to identify
troubled individuals and get them help.

Most people with mental illness will never commit a violent act, but mental
illness has been a significant factor in some of these horrific attacks. We must
look to increase resources and seek earlier interventions.

For many years, the USCCB has supported a federal ban on assault weapons, limitations on civilian
access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines, further criminalizing
gun trafficking, certain limitations on the purchase of handguns, and safety
measures such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner
from using guns without permission.

The
advocacy by survivors of the Parkland shooting—and young people throughout our
nation—is a stark reminder that guns pose an enormous danger to the innocent
when they fall into the wrong hands. The voices of these advocates should ring
in our ears as they describe the peaceful future to which they aspire. We must
always remember what is at stake as we take actions to safeguard our
communities and honor human life. In the words of St. John, ‘let us love not in
word or speech but in deed and truth’ (1 Jn. 3:18).”

—
Keywords:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Committee on Domestic Justice and
Human Development, Bishop George V. Murry, Committee on Catholic Education, gun
violence, Parkland, Florida, high-capacity weapons, gun trafficking, Second
Amendment, U.S. Constitution, common good

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Media
Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops