Mass Shootings Do Not Have To Be The New Normal

I refuse to accept a “new normal” where mass shootings are common place and refuse to accept a “new normal” of mass shootings of people who have gathered to worship. 

I would expect that the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand this past Friday to disturb all humans. 

And though I don’t have the answer to what will stop such horrific acts of violence, I know that a “both/and” approach is needed. 

We need people to speak out; and we need laws that make it very hard to purchase semi-automatic weapons; and we need resources for mental health; and we need law enforcement to be equipped to perform surveillance on hate groups while protecting civil liberties; and we need the media to stop pitting groups of people against each other.  No one of these actions will stop mass shootings; and one action does not mean another cannot happen.  It’s “both/and” not “either/or.”

It seems like we need a miracle.

History does teach when humans get to the point of saying, “enough” that miracles can happen. I would hope that this most recent mass shooting in New Zealand has led enough people to this place of “enough.”  Perhaps this shooting will reignite the desire for change.  A movement needs to happen. 

The Presbytery of Twin Cities area passed a statement at their meeting on Saturday condemning the shootings in New Zealand.  I read the statement in worship yesterday at Chain of Lakes and then prayed that no more mass shootings will ever happen again.  I’ll be personally taking the statement to the Islamic Resource Center in Blaine this week.

I would encourage everyone reading this blog to take one step to creating a world where mass shootings don’t exist.  What can you do this week?

The statement from the Presbytery is worth reading.  I’m proud to be part of a denomination who easily and without question will condemn a mass shooting.

The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area stands side-by-side with our Islamic brothers and sisters in condemning the March 15 attack against women, men and children at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. This cowardly, hate-filled action during a time of prayers is an attack on all people of faith and an assault on the bonds of shared humanity and peaceful coexistence which unite us all. The Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area further condemns the hateful and dangerous ideologies that stand behind this action and re-commits itself to work intentionally with all people of faith to seek means by which we can live together as one humanity, with a common desire for peace and justice. May God’s blessings cover you in this time of sorrow, and give you strength for the days ahead.

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