Letter
Letter from Bishop Blaire to Senate Leadership on Gun Violence Legislation, April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader, U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell: On behalf of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), I write to express my deep disappointment in the Senate’s failure to support reasonable regulations to reduce gun violence in our nation.
The USCCB has been working with other faith leaders and organizations urging Congress to support legislation that builds a culture of life by promoting policies that reduce gun violence and save people’s lives in homes and communities throughout our nation. In the wake of tragic events such as the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, the failure to support even modest regulations on firearms is a failure in moral leadership to promote policies that protect and defend the common good.
Many of the provisions contained within S. 649 were a positive step in the right direction and enjoyed bi-partisan support. We applaud those Senators who demonstrated the virtues of courage and leadership by taking steps to reduce gun violence in the service of the good of society and for the protection of human life.
Though we are disappointed, we will continue our efforts to work with Congress and other people of good will to advocate for policies that create a safer and more peaceful society. We are resolute in urging Congress to act and we support legislation that promotes a culture of life by reducing gun violence and saving lives.
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire
Bishop of Stockton
Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development