What role does the faith community have in stemming gun violence?

Surely there is one. Sadly, firearms deaths, whether homicide, suicide or accidents, continue plaguing our country. Firearms are the #1 killer of children 17 and younger.

Faith may give comfort to survivors, but it requires action to prevent even more victims. Join us to learn the tools local faith leaders share to turn faith into action.

Keynote speaker John Pavlovitz, an author and former youth pastor, with nearly one million social media followers, often speaks out about gun violence. As he’s posted: “If you pray for victims of gun violence, while doing nothing to stop their proliferation or to make them more difficult to get—your prayers may as well be bullets for the next mass shooting.”

While pastor, author and social activist John Pavlovitz provides a national perspective, Kansas City-area leaders will provide examples of how local communities are turning faith into action to reduce gun violence.

• Rev. Kelly Isola, Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, moderates the local faith leaders panel of:
  • Dr. Amy Harris Hartsfield, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church
  • Rev. Jenny Wells, Central Presbyterian Church
  • Rev. Dr. Chris Wilson, St. Andrew Christian Church
  • Bryon K. Williams, Wyandotte County Churches United for Justice Lead Organizer.

The panelists will share their organizations’ gun violence prevention programs and activities. The Forum is 6 pm, Monday, Oct. 13, at Rockhurst University Arrupe Auditorium, 5351 Forest Ave., Kansas City, Mo.

By tickets here.