Religion

A 2024 report from the Center for American Progress analyzed the impact of gun violence on religious communities, particularly in urban areas. The report highlighted case studies of churches that have been directly affected by gun violence and the subsequent community responses. It called for increased funding for faith-based violence prevention programs and greater collaboration between religious organizations and public health initiatives. Source: https://www.americanprogress.org Source: https://www.nytimes.comRead More →

A 2025 study by the American Academy of Religion examined how different religious traditions interpret the Second Amendment and its implications for gun ownership and control. The study found significant variation in beliefs, with some denominations advocating for gun rights as a matter of personal freedom, while others emphasize the need for community safety and support stricter regulations. Source: https://www.aarweb.org Source: https://www.theatlantic.comRead More →

In 2024, an interfaith initiative called “Faith for Gun Reform” was launched, bringing together diverse religious groups to advocate for comprehensive gun reform. The initiative focuses on educating congregants about the impact of gun violence and mobilizing them to support legislative changes. The group has organized rallies and prayer vigils to raise awareness and push for policy changes at both state and federal levels. Source: https://www.cnn.com Source: https://interfaithalliance.orgRead More →

A report published by the Pew Research Center in early 2025 highlighted how many churches are becoming active participants in gun violence prevention efforts. The report noted that congregations are hosting community discussions, providing resources for mental health support, and partnering with local law enforcement to promote safety. The findings indicate a growing trend of faith-based organizations taking a stand on public safety issues. Source: https://www.pewresearch.org Source: https://www.npr.orgRead More →

In 2024, a coalition of religious leaders from various faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, united to advocate for stricter gun control measures in the wake of increasing gun violence in the U.S. They emphasized the moral imperative to protect communities and called for legislative action to address the epidemic of gun-related deaths. This coalition has been active in lobbying for universal background checks and restrictions on assault weapons. Source: [broken link removed] Source: https://religionnews.comRead More →

pdf below excerpt ABSTRACT Understanding the deep meaning of the Second Amendment is critical to understanding American gun culture. The centrality of the Second Amendment in American culture can be better understood through the intersection of American nationalism with Protestant Christianity. This paper argues that the National Rifle Association (NRA) has capitalized on the religious nationalism that arose in the late 1970s alongside the Moral Majority and has increasingly used religious language to shape the discourse surrounding the Second Amendment. Understanding the transformation of the Second Amendment from an important Constitutional amendment to an article of faith in religious nationalism provides new insight about theRead More →

A Republican congressman representing Allen, Texas — where a gunman killed at least 8 people in a mass shooting on Saturday — said people who don’t believe in the power of prayer following a violent incident aren’t believers of an "almighty god" after he was asked what his response would be to people who feel prayers are not the solution to mass shootings. Authorities responded to a shooting at Allen Premium Outlets — a mall near Dallas, Texas — around 3:40 p.m. Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd said in a press conference that at least 9 people, including the gunman, died. Seven others wereRead More →

Freedom Center: God and Guns: A Biblical Worldview Analysis of the Second Amendment and Self-DefenseRead More →