Your opinion: Catholic sisters urge PA lawmakers to take action against gun violence

Pennsylvania state lawmakers continue to ignore by far the deadliest threat to public safety in our state: the gun violence epidemic.

The number of deaths in this state is staggering: According to Cease Fire PA, an average of 1,600 residents are killed by gun violence each year. More than 60% of those people die by suicide, and firearms are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in our state, ahead of drug overdoses, car accidents, and cancer.

As Catholic sisters, our commitment to protecting human life is a moral imperative. We founded Nuns Against Gun Violence in April 2023 to bring Catholic sisters and their allies together to speak with a common voice about this crisis. As women of faith, we affirm the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for commonsense, evidence-based laws to reduce and prevent gun violence.

In Pennsylvania, we represent several congregations with thousands of sisters and associate members.

Three important bills have passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, all with bipartisan support. They are life-saving measures that in no way prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing or owning firearms. However, Senator Lisa Baker has refused to hold a hearing on them in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

We encourage everyone to join us in urging them to allow the measures to be implemented.

Silence and inaction are unacceptable and our faith compels us to stand up for the sanctity of life. This is especially poignant in June, Gun Violence Awareness Month, when we mourn the victims and survivors, including on Wear Orange days. Do not let their lives be lost in vain.

Put down your weapons. Nobody will win.

Sr. Joyce Bell, IHM

Sr. Lucille Brislin, RSM

Sr. Suzanne Gallagher, RSM

Sr. Catherine Glackin, IHM

Sr. Patricia Millen, OSF

Sr. Carol Anne Smith, HM

Sr. Carol Stenger, CDP