Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace

Challenging the Epidemic of Gun Violence

• Core resource on how the Episcopal Church is challenging violence in today's society • Important and sensitive topic facing every community • Royalties of the sale of the book to go to Bishops United to Prevent Gun Violence • Comprehensive study guide included with further resources Over 300 Episcopalians came together in Oklahoma City in April 2014 to renew their commitment to the gospel call to make peace in a world of violence. Through deep conversation, prayer, and skill-building, the event empowered the Episcopal Church to address violence and reclaim its role in society as a force for nonviolence and peace. This book is one of the outcomes of that event: resources to help dioceses, congregations, and individuals reclaim the gospel message of peace for our society. Divided into five sections - Proclaim: The Gospel, Sustain: The Witness, Reclaim: The Response, Pray: The Work, and Engage: The Next Steps- topics are offered in the areas of advocacy, education, liturgy, and pastoral care that our church can use to address the culture of violence within and outside of the church, the reader will hear the gospel proclaimed through personal stories of witness from key leaders in the church today, including Justin Welby, Katharine Jefferts Schori, Edward Konieczny, Eugene Sutton, Mark Beckwith, James Curry, Mariann Edgar Budde, Gary Hall, Kathleen Adams Shepherd, Mark Bozzuti-Jones, Kay Collier McLaughlin, and others. Topics include: systemic/root causes of violence, suicide/mental health, hate crimes, gang violence, race and violence, advocacy, gun violence, bullying, gender-based violence, and non-violence. Reflection questions follow each chapter with a comprehensive study guide for group use included.