Ownership and Personal Use of Firearms

1. A Controversial Issue

The ownership of guns is controversial for some church members, particularly in the United States where some feel it is their constitutional right to bear arms based on the Second Amendment. Others feel that gun ownership is incompatible with the teachings and example of Jesus and becoming a world-wide church dedicated to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation.

2. World Conference Action

World Conference meeting in Independence, Missouri, adopted the following resolution, 1270, on April 8, 2000:

Personal Use of Firearms

Whereas, Firearms cause much death and pain worldwide; and

Whereas, We are called to be peacemakers; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the church encourage in its members a thoughtful and reflective stewardship regarding the use of firearms for professional or for sports purposes; and be it further

Resolved, That the church encourage its members to renounce the personal use of firearms for all other purposes as a response to the call to recognize the worth of all persons.

 

3. Resources For Further Study

Jean Miller with Andrew Bolton, Swords into Plowshares? - Dialogue on Guns in Our Homes, Communities and Beyond (Peace and Justice Ministries: Independence, MO, 1999). This 64- page resource is an adult study text suitable for church school classes,  reunions, and personal reading.

It can be obtained for $3 (plus postage and handling) from Herald House 1-800/767-8181. E-mail: heraldhouse@heraldhouse.org

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