Free Gun Lock Ministry
We believe that all human life is sacred and that gun violence is preventable. Our goal is to increase gun safety through the distribution of free gun locks.
The Centers for Disease Control reports there were more than 48,000 firearm related deaths in 2022. That is the equivalent of 132 deaths every day (1). Virginia, like all states in the US, is impacted by gun violence and gun related deaths. The Commonwealth experienced a total of 1316 gun deaths in 2022 and the rates of gun related death, including both homicide and suicide, continue to increase (2). Consistent with trends across Virginia, gun related homicides have increased in Lynchburg. Sadly, these deaths include children (3). Accidental shootings pose a particular threat to children. It is reported that 350 children per year gain access to loaded firearms and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone nearby. Nearly one in three unintentional shooters are preschoolers (4).
These startling statistics can feel overwhelming for a congregation who believes that following Christ means living nonviolently. At the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren we asked ourselves how God might be leading us to address the problem of gun safety in our own community. In researching ways to increase gun safety we learned about gun locks. Safe storage of firearms can prevent suicide, homicide and accidents. According to a synthesis of research published by Rand.org, the distribution of gun locks, particularly when they are free, can increase safe storage practices (5).
It is our goal to increase safety in our community by increasing the awareness and implementation of safe storage practices in the Lynchburg area by distributing free gunlocks throughout Lynchburg and the surrounding areas.
If you or someone you know has unsecured firearms please contact us so we can help you obtain gunlocks. If you are a member of a community organization please contact us so we can discuss ways we can partner with you. If you would like to make a financial contribution to this ministry please send donations to our physical address at 200 Atlanta Avenue Lynchburg VA 24502.
Sources:
1 Centers For Disease Control FIrearm Prevention and Injury https://www.cdc.gov/firearm-violence/data-research/facts-stats/index.html accessed February 20, 2025
2 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Gun Violence Prevention; https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/virginia accessed February 19, 2025
4 Everytown For Gun Safety Preventable Tragedies https://everytownresearch.org/report/notanaccident/ accessed February 13, 2025.
5 Rand Gun Policy in America https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I_r0kiX1nnacDm7RinvezvIlsIBaCbLhCehkKWRE6QY/edit?tab=t.0
accessed February 20, 2025
