54 religious groups call for background checks

Faithcalling.org  – With the approach of Saturday’s one-year anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., faith groups are making a concerted effort to convince Congress to pass legislation expanding background checks to those purchasing guns at gun shows and online.

A letter issued Monday by Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, signed by 54 national religious leaders and organizations representing more than 80 million Americans, urges members of Congress to support the legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) that the Senate approved last year. Corresponding legislation in the House, sponsored by Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), has more than 185 co-sponsors, according to Faiths United.

“In light of the tragedy in Newtown — and in Aurora, Tucson, Fort Hood, Virginia Tech, Columbine, Oak Creek, and so many more — we know that no more time can be wasted,” the letter says. The group said in addition to prayers for those affected by the violence, “we have a moral obligation to keep guns out of the hands of people who may harm themselves or others.”

ON DECEMBER 13 

CALL 1-855-438-2982
TEXT “FAITHSCALLING”  TO 877-877

List of participating religious groups.