Moved by rising gun violence, the 2022 annual conference voted overwhelmingly to respond. Legislation passed asking members to contact lawmakers; and the conference to create an ongoing committee to resource churches, join the End Gun Violence Michigan coalition, and to plan the first annual advocacy day in collaboration with the Board of Justice.
Who: 300 United Methodists and friends attended, 350 registered, from across the conference. Attendees represented 36 of 38 Senate districts and 84 of 110 House districts. Seasoned justice advocates gathered alongside many who had never done anything like this. People came from many ages, places, and experiences.
What: Asked for policy changes that would reduce injury and harm by firearms in the state.
Expand background checks from pistols to all firearms including long guns
Safe storage for children’s protection and to reduce suicides
Extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws)
Read our policy backgrounder (link in current website)
Public impacts:
The focused energy of over 300 United Methodists from across the conference impacted public policy.
Renewed strength of lawmakers leading this work.
Changed intended votes of some lawmakers.
Bipartisan support on a safe storage bill, including from the minority leader.
Legislative staff and lawmakers commented on how moved they were to have people of faith speak with intelligence and kindness.
Legislative staff and lawmakers expressed interest in finding a United Methodist Church to attend because of the experience.
Ecumenical, interfaith, and community friends shared their inspiration in wider circles.
Positive media coverage from the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Public Radio and many networks. MiConnect story picked up by UMNews and GBCS. (link?)
Conference impacts:
Renewed hope and engagement in local church and conference work. Highest attended event in years outside of annual conference. Local churches have shared positive outcomes in response.
Many participants found healing in sharing their survivor stories and working towards change.
Capacity and confidence for advocating increased.
Many shared this was their first experience in public policy advocacy and desired to continue.
Relationship networks expanded in the process of preparing and gathering.
Direct link of action to annual conference legislation
Next steps
Continue to develop relationships with elected officials and staff, including county and local leaders.
Remember that appropriate support and affirmation make a difference.
Voice the need for ongoing work towards implementation of these new laws.
Support violence intervention programs in your community.
Join our conference committee for gun safety (contact Heather McDougall-Walsh)
Sign up for End Gun Violence Michigan email updates.
Watch the Webinar
One day following the MSU mass shooting, the conference hosted a webinar on how to address gun violence. The power point shown during the webinar with added material can be downloaded by clicking on this link.
