At makeshift National Mall graveyard, clergy demand gun control [View all]

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/04/11/at-makeshift-national-mall-graveyard-clergy-demand-gun-control/


Symbolic grave markers are placed April 11, 2013 on the National Mall in Washington, DC as part of a 24 hour vigil held by religious leaders who will call upon Congress to vote on legislation to prevent gun violence. Photo by Chris Kleponis/ Lifelines to Healing, PICO National Network/Sojourners

WASHINGTON (RNS) Clergy from California to Connecticut created a makeshift graveyard symbolizing victims of gun violence on the National Mall on Thursday (April 11) as they exhorted Congress to pass legislation to limit access to firearms.

Standing in front of 3,300 grave markers — representing the number of people who have died in gun violence since December’s massacre in Newtown, Conn. — more than 25 ministers, rabbis and other religious leaders decried as “idolatrous” a society that values guns more than human life.

“We don’t have a Second Amendment issue,” said the Rev. Matt Crebbin of Newtown Congregational Church. “We have a Second Commandment crisis.

“The near infatuation with the gun is moving dangerously close to becoming a full-blown worship of a false idol,” continued Crebbin, whose in December presided over a nationally televised memorial service for Newtown victims.

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