Since the latest mass shooting in Parkland, FL, many youth have taken the lead nationally in addressing the violence of guns in our society. Laws have been passed in Florida that raise the minimum age for gun purchasing to 21, yet they also provide resources for arming school staff.
The NRA has decided to sue them for the age minimum change. President Trump signaled support for a higher age minimum but after consulting with the NRS, he has changed his mind and is primarily calling for arming teachers.
As Christians, we now live in the most armed and militarized society in the world. The presence of guns is often a barrier to our imagination and capacity to engage conflict in a healthy and transformative way. This habit will exacerbate and continue our de-humanization if we don’t take a stronger stand.
In response, members of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men are encouraging their schools to participate in local versions of the March for Our Lives event planned for March 24 in Washington.
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV
Br. John Eustice, CSV
From the Viatorians, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, a past president of Saint Viator High School, and Br. John Eustice, CSV, a former campus minister now working in parish ministry in Bourbonnais, will march with young people on March 24 in Chicago, in protest of gun violence.
The March for Our Lives event in Chicago will depart from Union Park, where participants will march for better gun regulation, no arming of teachers, and restorative justice processes for dealing with conflict and harm in schools.
Read more here about actions to take in protest of gun violence, as well as the national call-in day to support DACA and about racial injustices as we approach the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s slaying.