Who We Are
The Saving Live: Ending Gun Violence interfaith ministry group comes together to raise their voices against gun violence. They host in-person events and days of advocacy to create awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action toward a safer future for all. Through engaging discussions, powerful conversations, and thought-provoking presentations, we will explore the urgent need for change in our communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement for a safer world.
Upcoming Events
A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Documentary Screening Event
October 27, 2024
12:30pm – St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Lancaster
1pm – Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Gettysburg
2pm – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Lewisburg
Come attend a screening of A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Documentary hosted by one of the above churches. If your congregation is interested in hosting a screening, please contact The Rev. Jennifer Mattson at saintthomaschurch@comcast.net.
Ways to Get Involved
Deacon Anne Flynn and The Rev. Barbara Seras are leading formation efforts on behalf of the Task Force. Both have visited churches within our diocese presenting information on Anti-Gun Violence efforts, tailoring their presentation to the individual needs of each church/rector. They would welcome more volunteers to help with giving presentations and more parishes willing to host presentations.
There is much more work to be done. Gun safety bills are slowly moving through the legislature. Our prayers and advocacy efforts are needed to ensure passage of key legislation that can reduce access to guns by criminals and mentally disturbed persons. while ensuring the rights of gun owners to act responsibly.
The Saving Lives Task Force meets on the third Tuesday of each month by ZOOM at 7 pm.
To join the Saving Lives by Ending Gun Violence task force, email The Rev. Jennifer Mattson.
To become involved in the statewide interfaith With One Voice coalition, please email the The Rev. Martha Harris.
Advocacy Working Group
If you’re interested in serving on the Advocacy working group, please respond to The Rev. Martha Harris.
Prayer Circles
Recognizing the Power of Prayer, the Prayer Circle Group is asking each parish in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania to participate in a combined effort to lift up in prayer individuals within the Diocese who have been adversely affected by Gun violence.
If interested, please provide a parish email contact that the Prayer Circle Group may use to committee contact Don Baldwin.
Past Events
End Gun Violence: PA Advocacy Day
PA State Capitol
Last year, 500 Pennsylvanians descended on Harrisburg, demanding an end to gun violence. Soon after, the first bipartisan policies in years passed the PA House.
Advocates joined us on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 as we continued our life-saving work. This included advocacy meetings and drop-bys with legislative offices, and an End Gun Violence Rally and Press Event on the front steps of the Capitol.
PA Episcopal Bishops Call to Action
PA State Capitol
The five bishops published a letter on February 23, 2023, entitled “With One Voice: Seeking Peace in Our Commonwealth.” Within the letter, the bishops acknowledge the pain and tragedy that gun violence has caused in our communities and our state. In addition, the letter notes their support of the following legislation:
- One Handgun A Month limitations
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO)
- Prohibition on sales/possession of assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines
- Prohibition on sales/possession of ghost guns
Days of Interfaith Prayer & Action
Community Cook-out in Lancaster
St. Thomas, Lancaster
This extraordinary gathering was the vision and dream of Lindsey Martin, a local survivor of gun violence, this event was supported in part by our Shaped By Faith grant, which helped to provide much of the food that fed over 300 people. Children and youth enjoyed a variety of games (with prizes like fish in bowls!!!). Heeding God’s Call was also present with a deeply moving Memorial to the Lost, t-shirts with the names of loved ones lost to gun violence in Lancaster in the past two years (the youngest victim being 2 months old). It was profoundly moving to stand together with hope that things can and WILL change- when we stand together with one voice, in God.
March For Our Lives: PA Advocacy Day
PA State Capitol | Harrisburg, PA
This event was held on Thursday, March 23rd, and involved a March for Our Lives Rally and Advocacy Meetings with Legislators & Training, which called on the new gun safety majority in the House to act.
Days of Interfaith Prayer & Action
This impactful event was held in Harrisburg, PA, and helped us come together to raise our voices against gun violence. The in-person gathering had multiple events that helped to create awareness, foster dialogue, and inspired action towards a safer future for all. Engaging discussions, powerful conversations, and thought-provoking presentations were had and we explored the urgent need for change in our communities.
Together, we can make a difference and work towards a society free from the devastating effects of gun violence.
Committee Contacts
Co-Chairs of Saving Lives: The Rev. Jennifer Mattson & Bishop Scanlan
Prayer Circles: Mr. Don Baldwin, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Advocacy: The Rev. Martha Harris, Priest-in-Charge, St. Luke’s Mount Joy, St. Paul’s Columbia
Formation: The Rev. Anne Flynn, Deacon
Children/Youth: The Rev. Jennifer Mattson
