Bishop Ken Carter of the Florida Conference has started the 5,000 letters campaign asking United Methodists in the conference to contact state and federal government officials and urge them to seek legislation that will curb gun violence.
Tallahassee Sign Girl
The sign held by a demonstrator at a rally for stricter gun laws at the state capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, references the biblical verse from Isaiah 11:6. The Feb. 21 demonstration occurred after 17 people died in a mass shooting in Parkland. Photo by the Rev. Andy Oliver.
“I call upon the followers of Jesus to speak for those whose voices are silenced, and to speak for our children and grandchildren. What if, across Florida and even our connection, we were able to collect and send 5,000 letters?” he posted.
Several United Methodist pastors and laity were at the Tallahassee rally on Feb. 21.
“It was the student’s moment,” said the Rev. Andy Oliver, pastor of Allendale United Methodist Church, Saint Petersburg, Florida, who also attended the Tallahassee rally. When religious leaders spoke, he said they told Florida legislators, “When you don’t allow debate on a bill, when you drop responsibility to take care of the gun problem, you are not doing the will of God.”
Oliver said he felt compelled to support the thousands of students who attended the rally.
Speaking of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students, he said, “I think it is incredible in their moment of grief when they have every excuse in the world to stay under the covers — which is where I would be — they are out in public spotlight speaking and remembering their friends. Each one was so incredible.”
Kathy L. Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for United Methodist News Service.