National Interfaith Vigil For Victims Of Gun Violence

December 14, 2018 marks the 6th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shootings. Since that tragic day in Newtown, half a million Americans have been killed or injured by guns. This year, 38,000+ lives were lost to gun violence. The Santa Barbara community is joining with the Newtown Alliance in a national vigil to remember and honor the lives lost to the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America, and specifically to honor the victims and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School, Goleta Post Office, Isla Vista, the Han Family, and the 38,000+ victims lost in mass killings this year including 11 at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, and 12 in Thousand Oaks. Together, we will renew our vow to #HonorWithAction to #EndGunViolence.

Multiple events will take place nationwide during the month of December, coinciding with a national vigil service of mourning and remembrance at Saint Marks Episcopal Church, Wash. DC. Wednesday, December 5th, coordinated by the Newtown Foundation in partnership with Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, and multiple gun violence organizations across the nation.

SUNDAY, DEC 9th in recognition of the 2018 Annual National Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence, the Coalition Against Gun Violence, Rev. Julia Hamilton and the Unitarian Society are hosting an Interfaith Vigil including Santa Barbara faith leaders of multiple traditions in the sanctuary to honor victims and families of gun violence. Clergy from seven diverse faiths will say prayers in their tradition. Photos and music will embellish the ceremony. A BELL will be tolled as every loss is remembered. The focus is a re-dedication and a renewed call to action to reduce violence in this season during which we often speak about peace. Together, each in our individual lives, we will dedicate ourselves to holding peace in our hearts, and extending outward our spirituality with thought and action. Both a Santa Barbara City Proclamation and a County Resolution will be presented and read at the Vigil. Write-In postcards – “#HonorWithAction” – will be available for attendees to urge Congress to support gun violence prevention legislation. All those gathered will be invited to participate in CAGV’s traditional Bell Ceremony “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Any member of the audience who has lost a family member or a friend to gun violence is welcomed and encouraged to come up, say the name of their loved one and toll the bell as we remember all victims of gun violence in respectful silence.

Members of the Santa Barbara faith community will also be memorializing this event in their various congregations during the week of Dec 9th – 14th. Throughout December, hundreds of communities nationwide will participate to shed a light on the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our communities as we are all affected by gun violence.
 

The Coalition Against Gun Violence is a non-profit coalition comprised of over 40 member organizations, united against gun violence and committed to creating a safer community for Santa Barbara County residents through its educational programs and advocacy for effective local, state and national policies and legislation. For information contact Toni at (805) 684-8434.