DATE

Dear Senator / Representative Name:

As a constituent and a Catholic, I am deeply concerned about the continued mass shootings and gun violence in America, and the lack of Federal government response through legislation. As Christians, we are called to care for our brothers and sisters. All people of good will must work together to confront the pervasive culture of violence, and this must include the reasonable regulation of firearms.

One priority should be to strengthen the mental health system in the US, providing easy access for all. We need legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them by strengthening the background check system for everyone. Furthermore, I strongly urge you to close the Charleston loophole that allows sales to go forward even if a background check is not complete and stop the sale of illegal ghost guns on the internet.

Gun violence has infected our private and public spaces in ways that have caused long-lasting trauma in American society. It is past time to reinstate a total ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, frequently used in mass shootings. Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed and over 200 are injured by guns. Too many children live in households with unlocked guns, resulting in injury and death. Requiring gun manufacturers to provide safety locks for all guns sold will reduce the number of “accidental” shootings.

Senator / Representative Name, the violence must stop. Even in the midst of deep political divisions, we have opportunities to promote thoughtful, common-sense legislation at both the state and federal level that will make a difference in people's lives. These are only a handful of legislative measures that would uphold the safety and wellbeing of Americans. Please do all that you can to introduce and pass such measures, for the sake of your constituents and Americans across the country.

Sincerely,
Your name
Your address  

The following is a partial list of Catholic websites to learn about and practice advocacy. Take a few moments to investigate and perhaps involve yourself in the very important mission of advocacy.
 
USCCB – Americans share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are clearly political and also profoundly moral in nature. As Catholics, we are part of a community with a rich heritage that helps us consider the challenges in public life and contribute to greater justice and peace for all people.
 
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns – We inform advocacy and action for social, economic and environmental justice, domestic and international.
 
Catholic Climate Covenant – We lift a united Catholic voice to support sensible, faith-informed climate public policies.
 
Laudato Si' Movement – Formerly the Global Catholic Climate Movement, we work within the Catholic Church to better care for our common home.  Our founding document is Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and ecology, Laudato Si’.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – CRS complements the humanitarian and development work overseas with policy analysis and advocacy at home. The focus this year is the Global Thrive Act.   
 
NETWORK – Founded by Catholic Sisters in the progressive spirit of Vatican II, NETWORK works to create a society that promotes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.
 
Salt and Light – To find out more about the social justice mission of the Catholic Church, visit this website from the USCCB.

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