Mass Shooting Response By Pastor Kim Montenegro

Dear Church Family,

I just wanted to write a quick letter to you in response to the horrendous mass shooting that occurred at the Gilroy Garlic Festival on Sunday, July 28. It is too easy to become numb and apathetic in light of mass shootings because they happen so regularly in our country. But when it happens close to home, it is particularly hurtful. The numbness goes away and our anxieties, sadness, anger, and fear can run high again.

As a denomination, The United Methodist Church takes gun control seriously. The 2016 Book of Resolutions has a statement on ending gun violence that encourages United Methodists to advocate for common sense gun reform like universal background checks and setting the legal age to purchase a firearm at age 21. The gun violence epidemic has taken far too many lives for us not to respond. It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to work towards what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. referred to as the Beloved Community, a community where neighbors strive to love one another and differences of opinion can be discussed through fruitful dialogue without violence. Gun violence has no place in the kingdom of God.

I encourage you all to be in prayer for the victims of this tragedy, their families, and all the brave people who sought to protect as many people as possible. I also encourage you to reach out to our lawmakers on all levels of government to demand action on gun control reform. We must not let the actions of gun violence keep us in a place of fear. Second, The UMC Book of Resolutions encourages congregation to put up signage that explains that firearms are not allowed on campus. I will explore where to place this signage with the Trustees. May God continue to have mercy on us.

In Christ,

Rev. Kimberly Montenegro