Matthew 25 In Action: Responding to Gun Violence with Prayer, Presence, and Practical Tools

In the wake of the active-shooter incident near Brown University, our Synod stands with students, families, first responders, and campus ministries in grief and prayer—and in concrete action. A recent pastoral message from our region called us to intercession and to faithful, collective response; we echo that call today. Constant Contact

As a Matthew 25 people, we believe what we do matters to God (Matthew 25:31–46). That conviction shapes how we accompany communities after violence and how we work upstream to prevent it. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides a deep bench of resources for both prevention and response:

  • The 226th General Assembly (2024) urged every PC(USA) congregation to take action—promoting secure firearm storage, joining Guns to Gardens, and praying for the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of children living amid gun violence. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

  • For education and formation, PC(USA) commends the documentary “Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence,” the webinar series “Standing Our Holy Ground,” and a Gun Violence Prevention Congregational Toolkit with liturgy and worship aids. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

  • For trauma-informed response, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offers Church Safety & Security Training through mid councils to help leaders prepare faithfully and care well in crisis. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

How this is Matthew 25 in practice

  • Building Congregational Vitality: form care teams, host learning circles around Trigger or Standing Our Holy Ground, and use the congregational toolkit to shape vigils, sermons, and intercessions that strengthen the body for witness. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

  • Dismantling Structural Racism: center the voices of communities disproportionately harmed by gun violence; pair advocacy with pastoral care, and pursue partnerships that address inequities driving risk. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

  • Eradicating Systemic Poverty: recognize the economic fallout of violence; accompany families with benevolence funds, counseling referrals, and connections to community supports.

Immediate steps for congregations

  1. Pray and accompany — use the Synod’s pastoral prayers and gather for lament and hope with campus neighbors. Constant Contact

  2. Educate and equip — screen Trigger, host a discussion, and adopt practices from the PC(USA) toolkit. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

  3. Act for prevention — launch a secure-storage campaign, explore Guns to Gardens, and connect with PDA for safety training. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

In a hurting world, we refuse to be helpless. By prayer, presence, and practical tools, our churches can embody Christ’s compassion—tending the wounded, comforting the fearful, and working tirelessly so that all God’s children may live in peace. Constant Contact

Mark Bennett