[Editor’s Note: One of our readers was thoughtful enough to share this with us. It was originally written for fellow clergy. We appreciate his reflections on responsibilities we all share.]
Dear friends,
As a pastor of 30 years, I serve people who come in every flavor. I am called to pastor flocks that are from the right and the left, and everyone in-between. I pray for those touched by gun violence. But I pray for everyone touched by all violence. For where there is violence, there is a failure in the human condition to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.
I used to be an advanced EMT on my hometown ambulance. I’ve seen firsthand the effects of violence, by guns and every other weapon in the book. Violence destroys relationships, families, and communities.
I used to moonlight as a psychiatric assessment officer for a regional mental health clinic. Those suffering from mental illness have a lower risk of acting violently than the general population. From my experience, the most dangerous individuals are those who are raised in a culture that doesn’t teach alternatives to violence in the home and community. Racism, hatred and fear can contribute to violence. Abuse, trauma, injustice and low self-esteem don’t help, either.
I don’t want anyone to take our guns away. What we must do, however, is to practice good stewardship of guns and ammunition.
This is what I mean:
First, please secure guns and ammunition when not in use. Bad people break the law to obtain guns and ammunition at an alarming rate. They rob. They take advantage. Bad people make bad decisions.
Another reason to secure guns and ammunition when not in use is because we care for others who may live with or visit us. Yes, you are responsible, but what about sons or daughters, mom or dad? How about neighborhood kids who come over to play? What if someone you love gets mixed up in the wrong crowd, becomes enslaved by addiction, or starts making other poor choices?
Third, if you are having thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself or others, please call a trusted family member or the police and allow them to secure your guns and ammunition until you can feel better. Persistent or troubling suicidal and homicidal thoughts are serious signs of an underlying illness. Don’t suffer needlessly. Don’t allow your family and friends to suffer needlessly. See your doctor, follow through on treatment, work hard at getting well and leave your guns with others until you are feeling better, to avoid a tragedy.
Finally, take responsibility for your guns and ammunition by addressing them in your will or estate. After you are gone, who will control them? Make certain that they pass on to the care of responsible owners. Doing so can be a powerful witness to generations to come about the importance of responsible firearms stewardship.
God Bless!
The Reverend Todd R. Goddard