Just Politics: Nuns support freedom from harm

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When it comes to people organizing to stop gun violence, you probably first think of moms (see Moms Demand Action). But there is another growing unified voice against gun violence and the policies that enable it—that of Catholic nuns.

Last year, communities of Catholic sisters and their partners formed Nuns Against Gun Violence to educate about, pray for, and advocate for policies that free us from the threat of gun violence—and to accompany communities ravaged by it.

In this episode, two members of Nuns Against Gun Violence join us on Just Politics. Lisa Cathelyn is the justice and peace coordinator for the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Sister of St. Joseph Annette McDermott is the justice, peace, and integrity of creation coordinator for her community and a member of the Nuns Against Gun Violence steering committee.

“There was a real concern that the issue of gun violence was escalating,” McDermott says. “And I’d have to say, honestly, there was a part where I don’t think one of us could hear once again, ‘We’re sending you our thoughts and prayers.’ What could we do?”

Since its formation, Nuns Against Gun Violence has led educational webinars, candlelight vigils, billboard ads, legislative advocacy efforts, and more.

“We must care for communities to prevent harm, we must hold people accountable for their actions, and we must also work and have public policy that promotes the common good,” Cathelyn says.

Many people across the country feel like they hear of a new mass shooting each time they turn on the news. “Gun violence is a public health crisis. No one is unaffected by it,” Cathelyn says. But, she says, Nuns Against Gun Violence seeks to offer hope and action for a better reality. “We reject the toxic idols of violence, of weapons, and we announce something different,” she says.

Learn more about protecting our freedom to live in safe communities on this week’s episode of the Just Politics podcast.

Note: NETWORK Advocates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the principles of Catholic social justice and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or party in the upcoming election.