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To: Clergy and religious, principals, parish communicators, parish administrators, directors of religious education, campus ministers and social justice ministries
From: Jayna Hoffacker, director of Restorative Justice Ministry; Office of Life, Dignity and Justice
Last year, the bishops of our province signed a letter calling for gun reform legislation. Among the policies called for was a requirement for gun owners to provide safe storage for weapons in their homes. We can do our part here in the archdiocese to protect children through ensuring that those in our community are educated on the need for safe weapon storage.
Firearms are now the leading cause of death among children in the United States. The Be SMART campaign was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths. Whether you are a gun owner, or you know someone who owns a gun, there is a role for everyone in the conversation around secure gun storage.
Be SMART is a framework that parents, caretakers and community leaders can follow to help keep their communities safe. Ultimately, you can help prevent kids from accessing firearms by storing them securely and encouraging others to do the same. Because children deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are.
Training can be offered in English or Spanish for your parish or school, and opportunities to be trained as a volunteer presenter are also available. For more information about Be SMART safe storage training, contact me at jhoffacker@archatl.com or 404-920-7898.
