Title: ELCA Schools Observe 'Day of Concern about Gun Violence'
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
June 1, 1999
ELCA SCHOOLS OBSERVE 'DAY OF CONCERN ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE'
99-147-MR
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's
(ELCA) Division for Higher Education and Schools will participate in the
fourth annual "Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun
Violence." On October 21, young people in the United States will sign a
voluntary contract or promise never to bring a gun to school, never to
resolve a dispute with a gun, and to work to keep their friends from
using guns to settle conflict.
"The national day of concern is not a final solution but a step
toward resolving the violence to which children are subject," said John
J. Scibilia, ELCA director for schools.
Scibilia said the division will encourage ELCA youth, leaders and
congregations to "advocate actively for the 'Day of National Concern
about Young People and Gun Violence' in their community and public,
private and religious schools." The division will encourage students in
the 2,300 ELCA schools and early childhood education programs to pledge
against gun violence. It will also invite other ELCA churchwide units
to support the national day of concern.
"The ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools advocates for
a quality education for every child in every public, private and
religious school. Safety in the school house, the neighborhood and the
home all contribute to a quality education. The number of children
dying due to gun violence adds up to almost a 'Columbine experience'
every day in the United States," Scibilia said.
The Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence
was called for by a U.S. Senate resolution and presidential proclamation
in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Last year more than a million students
participated in pledge drives and signed the Student Pledge Against Gun
Violence.
"The day of concern provides a focal point for dialogue and church
and community involvement in reducing violence, especially in schools,
faith communities and other institutions," said Scibilia.
Through an initiative to help children, the ELCA has "redoubled
efforts to aid children and youth at risk from racism, hunger, violence
and poverty at home and throughout the world," said Scibilia.
The ELCA's "Help the Children" Initiative is one of seven
significant areas of ministry for the 21st century approved by the 1997
ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The ELCA has begun planning for new ways to
deepen worship life, teach the faith, witness to God's action in the
world through moral deliberation and community renewal, strengthen one
another in mission, connect with youth and young adults, provide
leadership development, and provide a safe place for children.
The goal of the "Help the Children" Initiative is for each of the
ELCA's 11,000 congregations to declare itself a safe place for children.
To do this, congregations commit to creating a gospel-centered,
faith-based teaching and learning environment of hospitality that
welcomes all children and their families or care givers. They commit
also to creating a community free from violence, advocating for policies
of justice for children's issues, and using resources to provide a
sanctuary for children for extended care hours. Another action plan may
be for some congregations to open schools as "islands of hope."
"It is our sincere prayer that this Day of National Concern about
Young People and Gun Violence will speak to all of our hearts and make
progress toward creating a safe haven for every child," said Scibilia, a
member of the "Help the Children" Initiative leadership team.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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