EDSD: » Gun Safety and Violence Prevention

Statement from Bishop Susan Brown Snook | Bishops United Against Gun Violence

Diocesan Gun Safety Working Group Resources for Discernment on Resolution 24-05

At the 51st Annual Convention in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, our diocese passed Resolution 24-05, which asks all churches in EDSD to consider making their campuses weapon-free. Below are resources to help you and your church community, led by your clergyperson, to prayerfully discern if this is right for you.

The resources are divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Discernment

Phase 2: Policy Development

Phase 3: Implementation

Phase One: Discernment

Step One: Open with Prayer

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
-BCP p. 833
Step Two: Identify who you are as a congregation
How would our neighbors describe us? How would we describe ourselves to them?
What are the core values that define our congregation’s culture and community life?
How do our current ministries and programs reflect who we are?
In what ways do we currently live out the teachings of Jesus in our local context?
Are there any areas where we feel tension or disconnection between who we are and who we aspire to be?
Step Three: Establish theological grounding for your church's identity
(Note: These are heavy questions that may require the guidance of your clergyperson. Please use the questions as guidance for conversation with your lay and ordained leadership to build a foundation for the conversation ahead.)
Which bible passages or theological principles best align with our congregation’s identity?
How do we understand our role in God’s mission for the world?
How do we see God working through us in this current season?
What theological tensions, if any, are we navigating in discerning our identity?
Step Four: Who are we called to be as a church?
What needs or challenges in our community is God calling us to address?
How does our identity as a congregation shape our calling?
Are there areas where we need to stretch or grow in order to live into our calling?
How do we balance honoring our past with responding to new opportunities for ministry?
Step Five: Call the question
Step 5: Call the Question
(Note: There may be an urge to discuss finer details about what it will take to adopt a gun-free campus policy, but we urge you to ‘park’ those urges and simply come to a “yes, no” answer. There are resources and guidance on establishing, implementing, and maintaining a gun-free campus policy in Phases 2 & 3. Let’s take this step-by-step.)
Review Diocesan Convention’s adopted Resolution 24-05.
Based on our church’s identity, our theological grounding, and our sense of calling, is declaring the church a gun-free zone appropriate for our church?
How will we ensure that all voices are heard and valued in making this decision?
Call the question. Will your church become a gun-free zone?
Email the Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch at glynch@edsd.org with the result of your decision–regardless of whether your church chooses to become a gun-free zone or not.
Resources to Help Your Church's Discernment
Everytown for Gun Safety. everytown.org/
Giffords.org
Brady United Against Gun Violence. bradyunited.org/
CDC Firearm Injury and Death Prevention. cdc.gov/firearm-violence/about/index.html
Gun Violence Archive. gunviolencearchive.org/
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Gun Violence Solutions. jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence- solutions
Law enforcement officers, and any other person approved by church leadership, may be exempted from a weapon-free zone policy. Note that individuals who are not in law enforcement must demonstrate they are licensed and trained.
Individuals or groups who rent/use your property are subject to the prohibition of carrying weapons.

Phase Two: Policy Development Phase

Step One: Establish who your Policy Development Team will be
Step Two: Review Example Policies
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert has passed a policy and implemented a gun-free campus. You can review St. Margaret’s adopted policy here
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs passed a policy on making its campus gun-free. You can review St. Barnabas’ policy here
Step Three: Understanding Legal Requirements

Understand State and Local Laws: Investigate laws about gun-free zones on private and religious properties to ensure compliance. The Gun Safety Working Group has provided some helpful facts for understanding your rights as a church.
Private Property Rights: As a private property owner, your church can set rules regarding firearm possession on its premises. Individuals who violate these rules can be asked to leave, and failure to comply may result in trespassing charges.
Even individuals with a valid concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit must adhere to your church’s firearm policies. If your church prohibits firearms, CCW holders are required to comply with this restriction.
Step Four: Draft the Policy

Start with Theology
Build a theological foundation to support your policy.
Reference Episcopal Governance
The Episcopal Church’s 2012 General Convention passed Resolution 2012-B003 requesting all dioceses to become gun-free zones.
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s 2024 Diocesan Convention passed Resolution 24-05, requesting all congregations to consider becoming gun-free zones.
Specify the Scope of the Policy
State whether it applies to staff, congregation members, visitors, etc. This will impact organizations and churches that may rent your space.
Outline Exceptions
Note any exemptions. Off-duty law enforcement or ceremonial uses might qualify.
Step Five: Call the Question

It is time to vote on the drafted policy. If the policy needs amending, do so during the executive session of your Vestry (or Bishop’s Committee) meeting. Refine the policy to the point of adoption.
After your policy is adopted, you can plan your implementation plan.

Phase Three: Implementation Phase

To invite a member of the gun-safety working group to speak at a forum or other event about gun safety on your church’s campus click here

Step One: Create Communications Materials

The Announcement
Prepare an announcement from the clergyperson in your congregation. It should outline the theological foundation for the policy, the policy itself, and the steps the congregation will take moving forward. This message should be shared in all communication channels your congregation uses–newsletter, printed materials, and an announcement at church.
Here is an example of the Rev. Andrew Butler’s letter announcing their new policy to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert.
Expect possible dissenting opinions from parishioners at this stage. Their insight is valuable; please take the time to listen and hear their concerns. Regardless, at this stage, the policy has been adopted by the leadership of the church.
Design Possible Signage
Develop clear, visible signs to post at all campus entrances and key locations. The Gun Safety Working Group has provided examples of possible signage here
Schedule Rollout
Decide on a date for implementation and ensure all materials are ready.
Step Two: Train Staff and Volunteers

Policy Training
Educate staff and volunteers on the policy details and enforcement responsibilities.
Develop Response Plans
Create procedures for handling violations or emergencies involving weapons.
Detail Enforcement Procedures
Include how violations will be addressed and the consequences
Step Three: Launch
Continued Vigilance

Periodic Review
Revisit the policy as needed to ensure it remains relevant, legal, and effective for your congregation’s needs.
Join in the Discussion
Join the continued discussion with the Gun Safety Working Group. Look for book studies, educational opportunities, and in-person events in the weekly EDSD News. Contact group chair Paul Conry for more information about the Diocesan Gun Safety Working Group.