American Baptists encouraged to attend gun violence prevention event

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/25/16)—American Baptists are encouraged to attend “God and Guns: Millennial Faith Leaders Address Gun Violence” training Oct. 6 and 7 at The Riverside Church, New York City. American Baptist Home Mission Societies is a sponsor of the event that seeks to provide concrete tools for educating, engaging and mobilizing congregations to bring about community change around the issue of gun violence.

While the training is designed for millennial faith leaders, it is open to ministry teams of all ages that include a millennial attendee.

The event seeks to provide participants with concrete tools to educate, engage and mobilize congregations to enact community change. While attendees need not agree on solutions to the gun violence epidemic, it is hoped that each participant will commit to influencing his or her own circles. Ongoing support, resources and networking opportunities will be provided.

The training event begins with a free, open-to-the-public screening of “The Armor of Light” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers the Rev. Rob Schenck, Abagail Disney and Lucy McBath. Tickets are required.

A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the training’s $80 fee. Housing in the homes of Riverside Church congregants is also available on a limited basis. To receive a scholarship application or request housing, email godandguns2016@trcnyc.org.

Register for the training and screening at www.godandguns2016.com.

The Riverside Church is at 490 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y., 10027.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.

 American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.