wfn.org | Assembly Issues Calls for "Removal" of Handguns and Assault Weapons

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18-June-1998 
GA98108 
 
         Assembly Issues Calls for "Removal" of Handguns  
                       and Assault Weapons 
                                  
                       By Jerry Van Marter 
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--The 210th General Assembly has called on Presbyterians "to 
intentionally work toward removing handguns and assault weapons from our 
homes and our communities." 
   Acting on a recommendation from its Assembly Committee on National 
Issues, the Assembly adopted a Commissioners' Resolution submitted by the 
Rev. Nancy Trevino of Grace Presbytery and Elder Nancy Collin of Northern 
New York Presbytery.  The resolution passed 393-120 with seven abstentions. 
   The Assembly easily defeated an amendment that would have removed 
handguns from the ban.  Elder Bill Ward of Southern Kansas Presbytery, who 
said he teaches competitive handgun shooting, supported the amendment, 
arguing, "It seems like many things that I enjoy the church is saying I can 
no longer do." 
   The Rev. Bernice Warren of Philadelphia Presbytery countered, "I have 
been to too many funerals of young people, particularly young black men, 
who have been killed by handguns.  I have seen too many young people, 
particularly young black men, disabled by gunshots.  We must get the guns 
out of our communities." 
   Several speakers argued that banning handguns violates the second 
amendment to the U.S.  Constitution, but the Rev. Jean Kiskaddon of Wyoming 
Presbytery pleaded, "We have repeatedly said at this Assembly that we have 
a passion for the welfare of our children and we know the violence that 
guns do to them.  Please, let's say something!" 
   The resolution also calls on the National Ministries Division and the 
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program to develop a poster which will point 
Presbyterians to resources for further study and reflection on the issue of 
gun violence. 

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