Firearms and Faith: Navigating Catholic Social Teaching in a World of Gun Violence

Nuns Against Gun Violence to Host Webinar: “Firearms and Faith: Navigating Catholic Social Teaching in a World of Gun Violence”

Nuns Against Gun Violence (NAGV) is pleased to announce a timely and critical webinar entitled "Firearms and Faith: Navigating Catholic Social Teaching in a World of Gun Violence." The webinar will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, June 18, at 7 PM ET.

Featured Guests will include Dr. Jennifer Kryszak, Director of Strategic Planning for the Franciscan Peace Center; and Angela Howard-McParland, Justice Resource Manager for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

This webinar will delve into various aspects of Catholic Social Teaching and explore how these teachings relate to the pressing issue of gun violence and the importance of gun violence prevention. The discussion will also highlight the integral role of prayer, education, and advocacy in NAGV's mission.

Angela Howard-McParland has dedicated over fifteen years to campus and parish ministry. She is currently the Justice Resource Manager for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Her previous roles include serving at La Salle Academy in Providence, RI; the Catholic Community at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design; and Bentley University in Waltham, MA. She has worked as a youth minister, adult education coordinator, social justice minister, and pastoral associate. Howard-McParland is passionate about the intersection of religion and sexuality as well as feminist and liberationist understandings of Catholicism. She holds a B.A. in English and Religion from Centre College and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Dr. Jennifer Kryszak is the Director of Strategic Planning for the Franciscan Peace Center. She holds a B.A. in Religion and English from Augustana College, an M.A. in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University. Dr. Kryszak has extensive teaching experience across various ages and cultural backgrounds and a profound knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching. She has served as Assistant Professor of Theological and Ministerial Studies at St. Thomas University and taught at Augustana College as well as Trinity and Mother Theodore Guerin High Schools in Illinois.

Angela Howard-McParland explains, "Catholic social teaching demands of us that our faith be made relevant to a host of political and societal issues that threaten human dignity. Gun violence is no exception as it steals lives, dignity, and hope of millions every day, especially those already marginalized in our society."

Founded in April 2023, Nuns Against Gun Violence is a coalition of Catholic Sisters and their allies dedicated to affirming the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common-sense, evidence-based gun violence prevention. More than 60 communities are involved in this collaborative effort, which meets twice a month to share resources, plan events, and strategize advocacy efforts.

To register for the webinar, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_anKH_VtHRw6LfiiH6u2zRA#/registration

For more information, please contact:

Nuns Against Gun Violence

Email: nunsagainstgunviolence@gmail.com