News from Philadelphia, PA

Love Park in Center City, Philadelphia, welcomed 65 people committed to ending gun violence to our Too Many Victims vigil on Sunday evening. Hosted by Heeding God’s Call, a growing multi-faith, grassroots campaign to prevent gun violence, the candlelit vigil was joined by participants from CeaseFirePA, Mothers in Charge, and the Brady Campaign. Prayer and singing engaged the group huddled together against the wind which blew out candles but not the light that shines from within and shines brightly on this issue. The group heard from Pennsylvania Senator Larry Farnese and Philadelphia Director of Public Safety Michael Resnick as well as from clergy and faith leaders from around the city and suburbs. Although “anniversary” might seem too celebratory for such a solemn moment, we knew that we were joined in solidarity by thousands of others across the country who also gathered in the light to remember those who died last January in Tucson. We prayed for those who continue to mend their bodies and spirits following the Tuscon Massacre, and reminded ourselves that since January 8, 2011, 12,000 Americans have been murdered as the result of gun violence while a total of nearly 30,000 die each year from gun violence. We recognized our call to action in this City of Brotherly Love which has the highest homicide rate of the nation’s ten most populous cities, an average of nearly one per day. We reminded one another that we have much to do … but that we are not alone in this journey. — Rev. James F. McIntire, Chair, Heeding God’s Call