Policy & Advocacy
Backgrounder on Confronting Armed Violence, February 2013
Background on Confronting Armed Violence, February 2013
The USCCB responds to mass shootings and daily violence by calling the Church and people of good will to confront a pervasive culture of violence, promote peace, and support reasonable firearm regulation. The statement situates recent tragedies, affirms longstanding Church teaching on peace and human dignity, and sets clear policy and pastoral priorities for action.
This backgrounder cites high-profile mass shootings and global acts of violence as evidence that gun violence, domestic violence, illicit arms trade, terrorism, and other assaults on life are widespread. It notes Vatican calls for stricter controls on small arms and transparent international arms trade rules and references Vatican and religious leaders’ public solidarity with U.S. efforts to adopt policy measures after the Newtown shooting.
The U.S. bishops consistently advocate working for peace through justice and support reasonable regulation of firearms. They affirm the legitimacy of self-defense while emphasizing that guns are too easily accessible. The bishops endorsed past measures such as the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban and have repeatedly called for sensible handgun regulation and safer gun usage to protect children and others.
The bishops see confronting violence as a moral duty rooted in Catholic teaching. They have addressed domestic violence directly, declaring all forms of violence against women sinful and noting its devastating effects on children. Their pastoral documents emphasize responsibility, rehabilitation, and restoration within criminal justice and call for a culture of life and peace.
The USCCB asks Catholics and people of good will to urge their Senators and Representatives to support national policies that implement the recommendations above and to remain engaged in the public debate on gun violence prevention.