National Cathedral Holds Discussion on Preventing Gun Violence

Focus on faith-based efforts as part of Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath

Washington National Cathedral is hosting an ongoing discussion on how to curb gun violence this weekend.

The event is part of the nationwide Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend, which is designed to provide an open discourse on how faith-based efforts can help encourage changes in gun control policy.

Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen was among those who attended Saturday's event, an interfaith service and panel discussions.

Patty Johnson, the Cathedral's missioner, says the time has come for people to discuss gun violence and how to reduce it.

"It's the beginning of a new era, a new part of our ongoing national gun violence prevention strategy. This National Cathedral has been awakened to the need for the faith community to come together to unite on behalf of stopping gun violence in this country."

The Cathedral's leaders, beginning with the dean, the Very Rev. Gary Hall, have tried to place themselves at the forefront of the national gun control debate since the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. 

In his sermon the Sunday after the tragedy, Hall said "as Christians, we have a moral obligation to stand for and with the victims of gun violence and to work to end it." 

For a full list of events at the National Cathedral, you can head to their website.

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