"Guns in America and the Church"

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the important issues of gun ownership and violence in America, as well as Christian perspectives and responses. America leads the rest of the world in many good things, but gun deaths per capita is unfortunately one that we must also acknowledge. Like America as a whole, Christians differ in their views on appropriate responses to gun ownership, gun safety, and gun violence. At a time when gun violence is a deeply entrenched issue in the United States, this conversation aims to explore how Christians engage with the topic of guns, freedom, and the faith.

"Whether you are a concerned member of the Church, a community leader, or someone interested in the role faith can play in shaping public policy, this discussion will provide insight, foster dialogue, and promote a deeper understanding of how faith can influence the ongoing conversation about guns in America," said David Beer, Ph.D., professor of political science at Malone.

Proponents: 

Reverend Joyce Penfield, Peace Builders Academy

Rev. Joyce Penfield is a retired Episcopal priest and community advocate who has served in Rhode Island and Ohio. She is the Director of Peace Builders Academy in Akron, working to equip the community with tools of alternatives to violence and Martin Luther King-style nonviolent direct action.  

Jim Irvine, FASTER Saves Lives

Jim Irvine has lengthy experience in gun-rights advocacy and organizations, both nationally and in Ohio. He is a board member for the Second Amendment Foundation and chairman of A1S4 Protection PAC, a non-partisan Ohio Political Action Committee dedicated to protecting the rights of self-defense, bearing arms (as codified in Article 1, Section 4 of the Ohio Constitution). He is the co-director of FASTER Saves Lives, a program for Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response or (FASTER).