Tennessee Faith Leaders Call for Action on Gun Violence

Coalition delivers letter to Gov. Lee following tragedy in Uvalde, Texas

A group of Tennessee pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition delivered a letter to the Office of Gov. Bill Lee this week calling on Lee to take immediate action to address gun violence in the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs, Pastor of Franklin Community Church, read a letter signed by 50 faith leaders across the state calling for Governor Lee to take action to call a special session to address the crisis of gun violence in Tennessee. The letter read, in part, "Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God' (Matthew 5:9). 'Peacemakers' intentionally seek peace by speaking out against oppression, injustice, strife, and violence. It is with this attitude, and in the name of Jesus who spoke those words, that we write this letter," and "As ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and as agents of peace, we plead with you to use all your legislative power to enact sensible gun control regulations."

The pastors present read the names of all 21 victims of the Uvalde tragedy.

The group also held a 90-minute vigil following the letter reading to honor the victims.

Riggs said of the vigil:

"Participating in this event was a holy experience where people of faith came together to grieve, pray, sing hymns, remember the victims, and plead with our elected officials to act to protect us from the scourge of gun violence."

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