In response to the massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, St. Brendan the Navigator Roman Catholic Church at 5101 Ocean Highway West in Shallotte, has begun a campaign to curb the epidemic of gun violence in the United States.  All people of goodwill are invited to participate.  Beginning Saturday (January 19), a petition will be available for all parishioners and other members of the community to sign. 

Once signed, these petitions will be sent to lawmakers on the federal, state, and local levels. 

    The petition reads:

     We believe nothing is more sacred and valuable than human life.  Concerned for the safety of our fellow citizens, we ask the support of our elected local, state, and national leaders to unite with us as American citizens in this effort to diminish gun violence. 

      While respecting the laws of our nation, we believe that it is necessary to re-think the laws governing the regulation of guns.  As pro-life people, we believe this is a moral issue.  Now is the time for action.  We the undersigned will take action to initiate and support:

1. Education and greater awareness about gun violence and the harmful effects of violent video games, movies, and television programs.
2. Improved access to mental health resources and a review of our current mental health regulations with the goal of aiding individuals and families who are suffering from mental illness.
3. Measures that control the sale of and use of firearms, especially on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, as well as standardized criminal background checks on all gun purchasers.
4. Sensible regulations which prevent easy access to weapons and require all gun owners to be trained and to purchase liability insurance.

  In the coming weeks, as a pro-life initiative, St. Brendan will lead a campaign to promote awareness about gun violence, as well as the harmful effects of violent video games, movies and television.  

 Details: 910-754-8544  or e-mail brenavigator@atmc.net

(Mary Hart is the director of faith formation and liturgical ministries for St. Brendan.)